How Does the Career Outlook for Massage Therapists Look? Bright!

Before embarking on any career, it’s important to evaluate its career outlook and make sure it’s in a growing field backed by growing demand. If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, the future looks bright.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists is projected to grow by 23% between 2012 and 2022, surpassing the growth of all other occupations by 12%.
The Department of Labor attributes the growth in the field to several factors:

• An increasing number of states are adopting licensing requirements for therapists, indicating that massage is being more accepted as a treatment modality by both healthcare providers and patients.

• Because massage can provide specific benefits to particular groups of people, such as athletes and travelers, there will be increased demand for massage therapists in settings such as professional sports associations, locker rooms, and airports.

• Demand for message therapy will also grow as our population ages. Baby Boomers and older people in nursing homes or assisted living facilities will seek massage to improve their health and circulation and increase energy levels.

• Another driver of growth in the field is the increase in recent years in massage clinic franchises. Here, massages are typically offered at more affordable rates than at spas and resorts, making massage more attainable and accessible to a wider range of clients.

All these reasons indeed will factor into the number of massage therapists estimated to grow from 132,800 in 2012 to 162,800 in 2022.

Those seeking this career path will benefit from this growing demand, along with a respectable salary. The Department of Labor states that the median annual wage for massage therapists in 2012 was $35,970 annually. The lowest 10% percent of massage therapists earned less than $18,420, and the top 10% earned more than $70,140. Earnings of most massage therapists come from a combination of wages and tips, for responsibilities including giving massages, recording client notes, marketing, booking clients, washing linens, and conducting other general business tasks.

These and other reasons make the career outlook for massage therapists bright. And, in addition to the growth expectations and solid earnings, it’s a profession people find fulfilling and rewarding. One graduate of AMC in Miami said, “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I have made a difference in someone's health and medical care.”

If you’re looking to make a difference in someone’s life in a career projected for growth over all professions, look into massage therapy. For more information, download our free eBook below!