Massage Therapy Diploma Program - Job Outlook

Healing Hands for a Career in Massage Therapy
Whether you believe you've got magical healing hands or are just looking for a meaningful career where you can help people, a career in massage therapy could be ideal for you.



Remember that you are likely to be in your career for a long time so it's a good idea to do something that you're passionate about. Massage therapy is a varied and rewarding career that can suit you if you like working with people and are comfortable with the physical closeness that is an essential part of the job.

Your Career in Massage Therapy
With a diploma in massage therapy, you can find work in a broad range of settings:

• Spas and fitness centers
• Sports medicine facilities
• Vacation resorts, high-end hotels, and bed and breakfasts
• Cruise ships
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Chiropractors' offices and rehabilitation centers
• Corporate workplaces
• Private practice

Employment of massage therapists is projected to grow by a faster-than-average 20 percent in the decade from 2006 to 2016. In 2006, 64 percent of massage therapists were self-employed. Of those who were employed, the majority (70 percent) worked in personal care services (46 percent) and offices of health care practitioners other than physicians (24 percent).⁽¹⁾

Median wage and salary yearly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities, were $33,405 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,838 and $50,378.⁽¹⁾

Your employment prospects may be improved by combining a formal education and national certification. To be nationally certified as a massage therapist, you'll need to complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class, certified instruction, demonstrate skills and knowledge, and pass a standardized exam. Networking through professional associations can provide invaluable word of mouth referrals, always important in the massage therapy industry.