Average Massage Therapist Salary

The practice of healing the body and mind through massage has been in existence for thousands of years, across many different cultures. Having overcome years of negative stereotypes and disrespect, the massage therapy industry is here to stay. For those of you who seek a massage therapist career, your timing is ideal. With a diverse selection of educational options, massage therapy schools have opened up campuses throughout the United States. Each massage school is as unique and eclectic as the students who attend them. Offering a well balanced massage focused curriculum, incorporating both practical application by hands on massage therapy training and comprehensive theory based lessons. Along with anatomy and physiology, pathology and body mechanics, students are taught to utilize their intuition and spirituality for more powerful healing potential. The criteria necessary for maintaining an active license states the student has to supplement their massage therapy education, by taking a minimum of one class, every four years. Massage therapist salary guidelines can be established within the limits of each students chosen career path. With the increase in demand for massage therapists the average massage therapist salary has seen an increase too.

Average Massage Therapist Salary

According to the US Department of Labor statistics, 52,000 licensed massage therapists were practicing throughout the United States in 2008, with a projected increase of 20% by the year 2016. Of those licensed professionals 42% are either employed by or independently contracted to the Salon/Spa industry, while 25% are employed by the healthcare industry, the remaining 33% are self employed. The average massage therapist salary payscale largely depends upon the individual.

Should they choose a massage career in the healthcare field, would be employed by a hospital, doctor, etc. with physical therapy rehabilitation as thier main job description. Choosing to work in a Spa or Salon has the most earning potential, if you are able to find an employer that will allow commission based services, as opposed to paying you per service at thier price, not yours, so beware! Lastly we have the independent contractor, who has the most earning potential of all.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a massage therapist national salary average is around $19 per hour depending entirely upon their geographic location, the years of practical experience and the variety of modalities they're able to perform. This is a job that, if the therapist is skilled and knowledgable, will become more profitable, assuming that with practical application, the level of skill will continue to rise, the potential is the sky! The massage therapist salary by state finds that of the 37 States that currently govern and observe massage therapy licensing, Alaska, California and Oregon earned the highest wage. Massage industry that is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and recognition will help in increasing the average massage therapist salary. Both as a lucrative career choice and as a powerful healing tool with unlimited potential.

This content should have answered questions like:

- What is an average massage therapist salary range?

- According to Us department of labour statistics what is an average massage therapist salary?

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- Where can I start my massage career?