How To Find A Job In Massage Therapy

By Julie Onofrio

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The first thing most people want to know is what kind of jobs you can find in the massage profession.
With the demand for massage increasing to a $14-$15 billion dollar a year industry, massage therapists should have no problem finding a job in massage that will pay them well - right???

Well not so right...

With the demand for massage therapists rising, jobs are paying less and less. Massage Franchises like Massage Envy are paying massage therapists $12-$14 an hour. Taking low paying jobs is really just teaching the massage employers how to treat us which is poorly. Holding out or creating a higher paying job requires that you have other sources of income or considerable savings.

After paying $10-$15,000 for massage school with loans piling up, most can not afford to live on a salary like that.

Jobs in Massage Therapy are actually a fairly new idea. I have been a massage therapist for the last 20 years and when I first graduated from massage school no one would even think of looking for a job in massage as there weren't many. Now chiropractors, massage therapists, dentists and even MD's are hiring massage therapists too. Working in the medical field though usually requires that you have a few years of experience. While these jobs will probably pay more, they are not for beginning massage therapists.

To find a higher paying job in massage, you need to interview employers first to see if you even want to work there. Consider the job environment. What will your duties and responsibilities be?
Many massage therapists are hired as independent contractors meaning that the employer does not have to pay your FICA taxes or other benefits. Many massage therapists do not know the difference between an employee or a subcontractor. There are many who are hiring massage therapists as sub-contractors to get out of paying higher amounts and are taking advantage of massage therapists. Knowing the difference can help you make a more informed decision about your job.

Another idea is to teach the massage employers just how much you influence the success or lack of success of the business. Even though you may be an employee you are still responsible for getting people to come back. That may mean educating clients about their bodies and health and doing your best massage on each and every person.

Spa's will sometimes pay higher because they charge more to the clients. Tips may be included in the bill or may be an add on. Working at a spa has an additional challenge of working only one time on a person to make an impression. Many are left with receiving poor massages and with little information about massage. Proving to an employer that you can bring clients back you may be able to set up an additional pay for yourself that includes an financial incentive for getting clients to come back.

So massage is like any other career really . You have to be innovative and responsible in creating the job that you desire. Taking anything less will leave you feeling resentful and bitter and won't make for a good massage environment. Choosing a job that supports you and your values as well as provides the financial support you need will help you and the massage profession in achieving the goal of spreading the power of touch.