The field of massage therapy is fast-growing. One of the major sectors that has seen an increase in popularity is massage as a viable health care option; more doctors are now referring patients to massage therapists to treat a multitude of diseases and other health and wellness concerns.

What does this mean? If you are considering a career as a massage therapist, this is great news! The more demand for massage, the more massage therapists are needed.

A career in massage therapy offers:

  • Flexible schedules
  • Variety
  • Job satisfaction
  • Many career paths to choose from

Some of the most common broad career categories in the field are:

  • Spas
  • Medical and Health Care facilities
  • Wellness Centers
  • Fitness and Sports
  • Franchises
  • Self-employed through private practice

It is important to keep in mind that the private practice career path and the employment career path are very different when it comes to massage therapy. Private practice allows you to have freedom and flexibility in all aspects (attire, clientele, scheduling, fees, environment, etc.), but comes with the difficult task of managing your own finances, marketing, and benefits. Employment (working as an employee) relieves you of worries such as extensive marketing, paperwork, benefits, referral base, and more; it also provides you with a professional image, a team, equipment and supplies, and support staff. However, being an employee reduces flexibility, freedom, and choosing your clients.

In reality, there is no such thing as a standard massage therapy practice. This career, both private practice and employment, offers flexibility in terms of work hours, independence, practice location, and practice type. Massage therapists can work part- or full-time, and income levels vary by location, experience, and type of practice.

The career path you choose is completely up to you and should be based upon your specific interests in massage therapy.