There are hundreds of careers to choose from; have you ever thought of massage therapy career options? Maybe you’re not satisfied with your current career but feel stuck for lack of options. Maybe you want to help others. Maybe you wish to provide healing and peace to your friends, family, and the greater community. There’s a career waiting for you that makes a difference in the lives of others while providing a rewarding and lasting vocation! That career is massage therapy.
If you’re interested in massage therapy career opportunities, you’re in luck. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the massage therapy field is expected to grow 2% between 2020 – 2030 which is much higher than the national average for all positions1! BLS notes: “Demand will likely increase as more healthcare providers understand the benefits of massage and these services become part of treatment plans.”2 What are the next steps to fulfill your massage therapy dreams? You’ll need this ultimate guide on your massage therapy career options to find out!
What Do My Massage Therapy Career Opportunities Look Like?
There are dozens of types of massage therapy, from medical and sports massage to reflexology to myofascial release and neuromuscular therapy. There are as many massage therapy career options as there are types of massage! From chiropractic offices and physical therapy clinics to spas and resorts, massage therapists could enjoy a variety of locations to practice their craft. The largest employers of massage therapists in 2020 were:
-
- Personal care services
- Self-employed
- Health practitioners
- Chiropractors3
Another key advantage of a massage therapist career is its flexibility. Maintaining your current lifestyle and schedule is possible because of the many settings you could provide massage services. Continue reading as we breakdown more specific massage therapy career options you may want to consider.
You Could Work in a Medical Setting as a Massage Therapist
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one-quarter of all massage therapists work in a medical setting4. These jobs are fast-paced and rewarding. You could help people regain their mobility and strength while aiding the healing of soft tissues.
Potential medical settings for this type of massage are in physical therapy and chiropractic offices. Massage therapists in these offices often treat:
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Sports injuries5
Incorporating massage therapy into physical therapy and chiropractic care also relieves the stress and anxiety the patient is suffering from. Easing the mind and relaxing the body could hasten the healing process!
Do What You Love in a Spa Placement
Most of us think of spas as peaceful places of rest and relaxation from our stressed-out lives. That isn’t far from the truth. But spas have become so much more! They’re now total beauty and wellness facilities offering head-to-toe pampering of both body and mind.
For those looking for a more relaxed setting in which to practice massage, then a spa may be for you. They offer many massage and wellness options for massage therapists to grow their skillset. There are a few well-know health and wellness centers in Lenox, Massachusetts as well as the Berkshires and surrounding areas that offer massage therapy career opportunities including:
Miraval Berkshires is a full-service resort with its Body Mindfulness Center handling the well-being activities at the spa including meditation, energy work, nutrition enhancement and more. Working here is an endless oasis of peace and tranquility!
Canyon Ranch is a luxury wellness destination and health spa resort with preventive and diagnostic medical services in addition to the award-winning spa. All are staffed by full-time physicians, nutritionists, and spiritual wellness experts. Imagine working here and practicing any number of the 13 different types of massages and other therapies to grateful guests in a breathtaking setting!
Blantyre is a country house hotel and a spa that provides massage along with its Vitality Bar and Relaxation Room. Customized massage treatments for each guest offer therapists a varied and challenging workplace.
Kripalu is a top-rated wellness retreat center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts dedicated to prioritizing health and overall wellness. Massage therapists at Kripalu are well-versed in a variety of massage techniques like aromatherapy massage, Thai massage, and reflexology inspired treatments. A day in the life of a massage therapist at Kripalu is full of enlightenment and possibilities!
Spend Your Career Traveling as a Massage Therapist!
The largest number of massage therapists work in “professional services” or are self-employed according to the BLS6. For those looking for the excitement of working in several places, being a massage therapist on-the-go may be for you!
These jobs are often found on cruise ships or hotels in tropical destinations. Guests who are weary from traveling need relaxation and often turn to massage therapy for rest and revitalization. This offers a chance to expand your career and life by exploring the world as a massage therapist!
Have a Busy Schedule? Consider Self-Employed Massage Therapy.
According to the BLS, over one-third of all massage therapists are self-employed7. If you’re the independent type that likes to make your own schedule, then venturing off as a solo massage therapist may be a great option.
Self-employed massage therapists enjoy the flexibility of a self-supporting career. It’s a great option for stay-at-home moms or those pursuing massage as a side gig. The possibilities are endless to expand your massage career all the while earning financial rewards as a solo practitioner.
Make Your Future Bright and Explore Your Massage Therapy Career Opportunities at Mildred Elley
Now that you’ve completed the ultimate guide on your massage therapy career options, what’s the next step? By enrolling in the Mildred Elley massage therapy program, you’ll learn the foundations of massage such as anatomy and physiology plus in-depth instruction for the many massage techniques used today.
Mildred Elley emphasizes a “learn-by-doing” approach so students can maximize their skills and knowledge in massage therapy on real clients. You’ll have the opportunity to practice in our massage therapy clinic in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Other campus locations include Albany and New York City.
Students who complete the massage therapy degree or certificate program at Mildred Elley can earn their Massachusetts massage therapy license and potentially work as an entry-level massage therapist. Maybe you’ll want to work at one of the spectacular spas in the Berkshires we featured earlier!
Enrollees in the Mildred Elley massage therapy program can enjoy:
- Flexible schedules
- lifetime job placement assistance
- financial aid & scholarships
The hundreds of career options out there become much smaller now that we’ve enlightened you on a rewarding career as a massage therapist. With plenty of work settings and schedule options to choose from, becoming a massage therapist is a great career choice. Find a great career and become a modern healer extraordinaire at Mildred Elley!
Sources:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-6
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm#tab-3
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