Massage Therapy Employment

Employment

In 2008, approximately 122,000 people held jobs as massage therapists in the U.S.  Almost 60 percent were self employed, meaning they owned a practice or worked as independent contractors.  Others found employment in metropolitan areas at salons, chiropractic offices, recreational establishments or hotels.  Massage therapy employment is expected to increase 19 percent by 2018, quicker than many professions.  The occupation will grow as people learn that massage therapy is a natural healing technique for stress, achy or tense muscles, headaches, arthritis, anxiety, and many other health issues.      

Earnings

In 2008, the median hourly wage for a massage therapist, including tips, was $16.75.  The people in the lowest 10 percent earned $8.00 per hour, while the top ten percent earned approximately $33.00 per hour.  Many massage therapists work part time so their earnings will vary depending on the amount of hours they work.  Tipping is not always common in settings such as doctor’s offices or hospitals.  Earnings also depend on location and education of the masseuse.  A massage therapist with more education in a metropolitan area will earn more than a less educated person in a rural area.