Massage Therapists Salary Data

Massage therapists can start rubbing their hands together with anticipation, thanks to current data about massage therapist salaries. It seems the business of being rubbed the right way is very lucrative and will continue growing.

According to Salary.com the median starting salary for a regular massage therapist in the U.S. is about $50,000. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the industry expects to see that number grow about 18 to 26 percent in the next six years.

Normally these figures apply to massage therapists with training in only one of the style philosophies, typically Swedish. According to a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association 47 million Americans receive massage, and the use of massage by people age 65 and older has tripled since 1997. With that increase, one can only assume that the general population has also increased their knowledge about the therapeutic benefits of massage.

To our credit, the Acupuncture & Massage College has, in the recent past, held in-service training for nurses at local hospitals. This apparently has been a national trend because use of massage in hospitals increased up to 30 percent in 2006 from 2004.

Massage therapy can be reasonably billed out at $75 to $100 per hour, and a massage therapist’s income can be substantially supplemented by cash gratuities. If the work involves billing an insurance company, then the costs of billing can be added.

Some massage therapists work independently. Some only work part-time for 15 to 30 hours per week.

Another interesting fact is that many massage therapists have referral-only businesses, whereby they can cut some of the costs associated with advertising and marketing.

And the possibilities for partnering with a non-competitive business are almost endless for a clever massage therapist. Potential partnerships with travel, entertainment and the medical industry are just a few. Good proposals with a business plans that spell out the potential earnings for the business or what expert massage therapy can do for office staff, clients, patients are the best way to get a foot in the door.

Once you get started, your healing hands can help you create a great career!