Job description
Massage therapists are trained professionals who manipulate the soft tissue and muscles of the human body to help people relax and to also relieve muscle tension. They do this by diagnosing and treating clients with various injuries, stress and chronic problems to help improve circulation and soften the muscles. They also offer relaxation treatments for the general wellbeing of their clients.
Duties
- Greet clients and discuss their health
- Talk about symptoms and treatment plans
- Evaluate the client’s posture to identify tense areas in the body
- Manipulate muscles and release tension in the body
- Offer a relaxing service in a clean environment
- Provide stretching and strengthening guidance
- Answer telephone calls and schedule appointments
- Provide advice on accompanying creams that can aid treated areas
Skills, qualities and knowledge
Working hours and environment
Average working hours
40hweek
Typical schedule
Full Time
Standard business hours
Most massage therapists work in local spas and beauty parlours. Others work independently, either from home or on a freelance basis.
You may be required to travel to clients’ houses to offer private therapies. This can involve long car journeys, which can add a bigger strain on your muscles.
As the work can be physically demanding, injuries to the body can occur from repetitive motions. For this reason, it’s important to not work for longer than eight hours a day and to also allow your body to rest for a few days per week.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$21k
Median
$41k
Top 10%
$78k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Vocational
DVM / VMD degree
Study time
8–12months
To become a massage therapist, you must complete a specialised diploma in massage therapy at an accredited postsecondary institution, which includes about 500 hours of practical experience. Although further education isn’t necessary, certain states require workers to be licensed or certified.
Your education will also include coursework in kinesiology, physiology and study of the organs, so a keen interest in human anatomy is essential.
Job outlook
Projected growth
26%
No of new jobs
42.1k
Automation risk
54%
Career progression
Many massage therapists choose to set up their own business. Others choose to move into education and teach aspiring massage therapists how to perform treatments. You could also specialise in certain types of massage such as sports massage and join a sports club where you can offer your services.