Massage Therapy 101

I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months (well…years really) talking with people about the benefits of massage therapy, and the power of touch, as channels for deep and effective healing – both physical and emotional. And with the opening of Balance Massage School last fall, I’ve had the amazing – and humbling – privilege of sharing my knowledge, my expertise, and my love for this beautiful profession with four of the most courageous people I’ve ever met.

But in this blog, I’d like to switch gears for a few minutes and talk about some of the more practical matters a candidate for massage school (or any career for that matter) should really stop and consider before making a yearlong commitment to the practice and study of massage. And chief among those matters are questions like: How much money will I be able to earn? What are my job prospects? Where will I be able to find work or build my practice?

Additionally, and equally important, questions might also include: How flexible can my work schedule be? What if I have other obligations, like children to take care of? Can I work part-time and still build a successful practice?

These are all important questions to answer, especially since they are so basic to living a happy, grounded, and satisfying life. So let’s see if we can answer some of them, and we’ll start with what is probably the most pressing concern of anyone who has bills to pay, a family to support, or other obligations to consider: earning an income.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for massage therapists in the United States was $41,420 as of May 2018. In Vermont, the median annual wage was $44,500. But there are two things to keep in mind here: first, median annual wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Second, roughly half of all massage therapists report they are working on a part-time basis. So from an income standpoint alone, it is clear that the potential to earn a comfortable living as a massage therapist is well within reach.

Another factor to consider is the job outlook. Will you – and where will you – be able to find work?

Again, according to the Bureau, the outlook is quite positive – especially as more and more healthcare providers have come to understand and embrace the benefits of massage therapy AND as massage-related services have become part of many people’s treatment plans. Based on a 2016 study, the Bureau projected that employment for massage therapists [will] grow at a rate of 26 percent between 2016 and 2026 - much faster than the average for nearly every other occupation.

What’s more, this continued growth in the demand for massage services will lead to a multitude of openings for massage therapists in a wide range of settings, including day spas, private and franchised clinics, physicians’ offices, sports teams, hotels, and fitness centers. So depending on where you live, you might decide to join an existing business or practice; you might decide to open your own studio; or you might join a growing number of massage therapists who travel to their clients’ homes or offices to provide a massage. But whichever path you choose, there’s almost never been a better time to consider a career in this growing and increasingly flexible field.

And finally, I’d like to say a few words about massage therapy as a lifestyle. Of course income, job prospects, and projected job growth are all important factors to consider, but one of the primary reasons so many people are looking at massage therapy as a career these days is the lifestyle. One of the biggest perks of being a massage therapist is the flexibility to set your own hours and design a schedule that works for you and those who depend on you. This can be especially important if you have children at home or in school, or if you need to continue working at another job while you build your practice. I also remind my students of the importance of making time for self-care, whether it’s spending time with their families or partners, enjoying a hobby, exercising, or taking time for quiet reflection. I have found that the happiest, most effective massage therapists I know not only “practice what they practice”, but in doing so, enjoy a pretty satisfying lifestyle.

One of the best parts about a career in massage therapy is the opportunity to design your professional life to support your unique personality and how you exist best in the world. Pursuing this path allows for connection with others for both introverts and extroverts. The introvert experiences a smaller scale energy exchange throughout the day, working within a 1 on 1 structure.. The extrovert gets to be around people as often as they like. Sessions with clients can be quiet or conversational, depending on boundaries set and the relationship that develops. And still there are more perks of the job – being the highlight of someone’s day, problem-solving and seeing results, working with your hands, and for those that have a challenging time sitting still – you are always moving. I am often asked how I do this work day in and day out, to which I reply – it beats sitting still at a desk!

Of course, there are other practical matters to consider related to building a massage practice, including marketing, bookkeeping, scheduling clients, obtaining insurance, washing linens, and other day-to-day tasks. But these come with any profession, and we spend a good portion of each semester at Balance Massage School helping students understand these necessary components of building and running a business.

So I guess the final question becomes: could a career in massage therapy be right for you? Do you feel like there’s something more out there for you? Do you like the idea of setting your own schedule, helping others live happier lives, and building a satisfying business focused on health and healing? If so, maybe it’s time to take that first step towards the life (and lifestyle) you want. If that sounds like you, drop me note or give me a call. I’d love to set up a time to talk with you – formally or informally – about this beautiful career.

With Love,
Steph Haddox