adminbhustleMassage therapy is a growing field that is expected to provide new job opportunities over the next few years. As more people experience the benefits of massage and as awareness of this healthcare profession increases, the need for massage therapists is expected to rise substantially. Suppose you are considering massage therapy as a career. In that case, this in-depth report will provide useful information about the job market outlook, where massage therapy jobs are expected to be most plentiful in 2024 and beyond, expected salary ranges, and steps to take towards this rewarding career path.
Understanding the Growing Demand for Massage Therapy Jobs
Several key factors are driving increased demand for massage therapists that will continue to create more jobs in the coming years:
- Aging Population – As baby boomers age, more people are experiencing age-related pain and injuries from daily living and recreational activities.
- Emphasis on Wellness and Prevention – There is a stronger societal focus on holistic health, stress reduction, and preventive care. Massage therapy fits into an integrative wellness model for maintaining optimal health and quality of life.
- Research Supporting Massage Benefits – Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of massage in treating conditions like lower back pain, headaches, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, and anxiety. When people understand massage can provide real therapeutic results, they are more likely to seek it out.
- Insurance Coverage Expansion – An increasing number of private health insurers, Workers’ Compensation programs, and medical plans are covering massage therapy either fully or partially when prescribed for certain conditions.
- Job Growth in Healthcare Settings – More massage therapists are being employed in hospitals, private medical practices, rehabilitation clinics, senior living communities, and spas. As the healthcare system continues shifting toward integrated, outcomes-based care models, the integration of massage will likely expand as well.
With these macro trends fueling growing recognition and utilization of massage therapy services, job prospects for therapists in both medical and non-medical settings look very promising for 2024 and beyond. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 26% growth in massage therapy jobs between 2020 and 2030, much faster than average compared to other occupations.
Strongest Regional Outlook for Massage Therapy Jobs in 2024
While massage therapy positions are expected to increase across the U.S. over the next few years, the job prospects and availability will vary between different states and metropolitan areas based on regional demands and practices:
Pacific Northwest (OR, WA)
- Known for wellness-focused cultures with many spa resorts and integrative medical practices
- Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA, top metro areas for massage jobs
- Abundant positions in chiropractic and physical therapy offices, hotels, and day spas.
California
- Heavy emphasis on alternative and Asian healing modalities like acupuncture and Ayurveda
- Strong demand in major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco
- Opportunities in medical settings, resort/spa destinations like Palm Springs
Rocky Mountain Region (CO, UT, NM)
- Growing recreational wellness industry serving active outdoor lifestyle populations.
- Denver, CO, expected to see many job openings for sports massage therapists.
- Ski resort towns such as Park City, UT, attract massage professionals year-round.
Texas
- Large metropolitan areas with complementary medicine clinics and fitness/spa chains
- Houston, Dallas, and Austin are top markets with expanded access and health spending
- Energy industry sports massage positions are increasingly common
Southeast (FL, NC, TN)
- Warm climates attract retirees seeking massage for joint/arthritis issues
- Spa tourism hot spots in Florida like Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach
- Raleigh and Nashville emerging as up-and-coming midsize city job markets
Job growth will also continue across other regions like the Midwest, Northeast, and Gulf Coast states in line with each local population’s demographic trends and healthcare infrastructure developments through 2024 and beyond. Overall, the outlook for the national massage therapy industry remains very bright.
Competitive Salaries and Added Income Potential
Massage therapists earn competitive salaries that can be supplemented through additional revenue streams. Average annual wages for massage therapists in the U.S. are currently around $50,000 according to the BLS, though income levels vary based on several factors:
- Setting – Medical settings tend to pay higher than self-employment or spa work. Therapists with advanced modalities certifications also earn more.
- Experience – Entry-level positions start at around $35,000, whereas experienced massage therapists can earn $75,000 or higher. Many eventually transition to ownership or management.
- Location – Massage therapists in major metro areas and high-cost-of-living cities typically earn more than rural or smaller-town therapists.
- Specializations – Therapists with advanced training in areas like sports, equine, or medical massage command higher rates.
In addition to hourly pay or commission, therapists can boost income through private practice or mobile services, product sales, teaching/training, and health plan panel participation. Location rentals at day spas or chiropractic offices are another option. Overall, the salary and earning potential within massage therapy creates living wages and opportunities for comfortable self-sufficiency or small business growth.
Education, Training, and Certification Requirements
To work legally as a massage therapist in the United States, certain educational and training standards must typically be met:
Massage Therapy Education
- Complete a minimum 500-hour massage therapy program at the post-secondary diploma or associate degree level from an accredited school.
- The curriculum covers anatomy/physiology, massage techniques, pathology, and business/ethics.
- It can take 9-18 months of full-time study or longer part-time
Licensing Requirements
- Pass a national certification exam like the MBLEx or NCETM
- Apply for state licensure, which requires passing any additional exams and background checks
- Maintain license with ongoing continuing education credits
Specialty Certifications (Optional)
- Pursue advanced training courses and certifications for modalities like sports, hot stone, prenatal massage, and more.
- Demonstrates expertise that can lead to higher earning opportunities
Within the next couple of years, some states may start transitioning to requirements for bachelor’s degrees in massage therapy or related health sciences. Staying up to date on your state’s policies will be important for ensuring ongoing career marketability and compliance. Overall, the education and training demands prepare massage therapists with solid hands-on and health/wellness knowledge.
Job Search Strategies and Resources for 2024
With promising job prospects expected nationwide through 2024, the opportunities for newly certified and experienced massage therapists will continue expanding into diverse healthcare, spa, and sports medicine settings. Here are some proactive steps to take when embarking on your massage therapy career job search:
- Contact local massage schools about recent graduate job placement programs and resources
- Search job boards like Indeed.com and RandallStaffing.com specifically for massage positions
- Apply directly on company websites for major hospital systems, spa/resort groups
- Scan Craigslist.org and local job sites for private practice rentals/desk shares
- Consider starting your own small business with a mobile or home massage therapy service
- Reach out to local doctors, PT clinics, and wellness centers about potential contractor work
- Explore membership with APTA, AMTA for networking and career advising
- Build your social networks on sites like Instagram, Facebook
- Utilize online profiling platforms like LinkedIn to stay visible to recruiters
With dedication and proactive networking, new massage therapists should be well-positioned to land entry-level jobs or independent clients to launch their careers by 2024 based on projected expansion. Geographical flexibility and modality specializations can further broaden opportunities.
FAQs about Becoming a Massage Therapist
Now that you have an extensive overview of the outlook, opportunities, and requirements in this growing field, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to complete massage therapy training?
The minimum training to become a licensed massage therapist is 500 hours, which typically takes 9-18 months of full-time study to complete, depending on the program structure. Many states are considering transitioning to bachelor’s degree requirements within the next 2-3 years as well.
What is the average starting salary for a new massage therapist?
Entry-level massage therapists can expect average starting salaries of around $35,000-$45,000 per year, depending on location, setting, certification level, and experience. Salaries tend to climb with specialization, advanced training, and years of experience in the field.
What types of massage modalities or specialties are in the highest demand?
Some of the modalities projected to see the most growth in demand through 2024 include sports massage, medical massage, prenatal massage, cupping, myofascial release, and specialty modalities like lymphatic drainage or oncology massage. Advanced training in these areas can position therapists for the strongest career opportunities.
How much student loan debt do most massage therapy students graduate with?
According to recent studies, the average debt burden for graduates of massage therapy programs tends to be significantly lower than four-year college degrees. Most massage therapy programs cost between $10,000-$20,000 for the 500-hour certification. By attending part-time to minimize living expenses and choosing an accredited program with the best tuition rates nearby, it’s certainly possible to complete a massage therapy education with little debt.
What certifications are most useful for expanding career opportunities?
In addition to state licensure, pursuing national certifications can help massage therapists stand out among applicants for medical, spa, and specialty positions. Examples include NCBTMB, NCMM, COMT, and CBMT credentials that demonstrate advanced knowledge in areas like clinical massage, massage therapy, orthopedic assessment skills, and more.
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