Interested in massage thearapy

[SUGAR CANE]

I was interested in getting into massage therapy. Seems like an interesting field but I had a few questions.

1. how long does it take to get licenced
2. how much do people make on average
3. how much does it cost to go through the whole process

 

[TAHA]

The answers to these questions can vary greatly depending on where you live and what kind of training you choose.

1. Anywhere from 4-12 months, on average.
2. Anywhere from $15/hr to $70/hr, depending on whether you have your own business, work as an employee, and whether you are getting paid per treatment or per hour
3. Anywhere from $4,000 - $12,000 and up.

Of course, there are some states/cities that don't require certification, so you could take a shorter course and spend less money and time.

As you can see it varies widely depending on your situation. Don't expect to get rich doing massage therapy (not saying that's not possible, but it's not "the norm") and you better love doing it, or you can get burnt out real quick.

I love doing it and am completely happy. If you already love the modality and these questions are just fine tuning, then good job. But if you are trying to decide whether you want to do it based on what you will be making, then I don't recommend it. A lot of students come to it thinking they'll be making $70 an hour, up to 40 hours a week, making their own schedule. And that's just not the reality for most of us.

Please continue to ask lots of questions. You'll find tons of help on this forum, at least I have.

 

[Constellation]

The information you are looking for varies greatly from location to location. You would probably get better answers if you would let us know where you are located at.

Angie

 

[Becky L]

i live in the North Miami south Florida area. I'm looking for a decent massage school right now. I'm really into giving massages and if anything It would be something fun to learn so even if I don't make a career out of it it will be something I would have fun learning.

 

[colleen]

I'm in the south Florida area. North Miami to be exact. Right now I'm just looking for a decent massage school that isn't to expensive so I can start learning. So it leaves me with some other questions.

1. What are some good schools in South Florida
2. What are the pricing for these schools
3. and what are the options for people starting out

 

[Sgod]

I think the average income is about 20 something thousand. According to some reviews I read somewhere.

jason

 

[Mehul]

It took me a year to complete a program that was 780+ hours.

The program cost $13-14k at the time. (Well worth it, too!)

Completing a program of study doesn't get you licensed. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, and may even vary by municipality in unlicensed states. Getting licensed after you graduate may take a few weeks or months, and generally costs a bit more money as you will probably need to take one or more exams and pass a background check. Check your state/municipality laws to learn what is required to practice in your area.

Working part time, I made about $15k doing massage last year. This year I am planning to go full time and fully expect to more than double that amount.

 

[ishameluvu]

Interested in massage thearapy

Massage Therapy is the fastest growing field within the healthcare industry. The amount of time it takes to graduate from a school of massage depends on if you are a full time or part time student, and the number of hours required to graduate. Generally speaking, what the other person said is correct, 4-12 months, unless more than 1200 hrs are required to graduate. Then, it may take 14-18 months.

As for how much you can make annually doing massage, it depends on what type of massage you're doing, what area of the country your practice is in, what the average amount is usually charged for a massage session, and how often you work. I know some therapist who only make 12k per year, while others can make upwards to 120k. It's all up to you. Remember, the more education and experience you get, the better you'll become, the more people you'll be able to help, the busier you'll get, therefore, the more $ you'll make. Sitting in a spa or hotel, or even at home, waiting for the world to come to you won't provide you much of anything. Let the world know you're there. NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!

Good luck.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I would just like to add that the "$120K" quoted above is extremely rare. The average is probably more like $30-60K. I worked 10 months last year [just licensed 3/1/07] and my massage income was less than $10K (and I am a "full time" massage therapist).

Also keep in mind that the average therapist performs about 20 massage hours per week NOT 40 (as some might assume when calculating potential income).

 

[sh5353]

Interested in massage thearapy

Remember, the more education and experience you get, the better you'll become, the more people you'll be able to help, the busier you'll get, therefore, the more $ you'll make.

I have to kindly disagree with this. Education and experience and how good a therapist is don't always equate to more money. Sometimes, but not always.

 

[aqua_diente]

Not to bring you down but I have to say this to prospective students because the schools aren't; The claims of fast and big money in massage is a false one. I see it on the TV and the schools won't tell you the market is glutted with MT's right now.

I love my work, but to be honest, with the rising costs of living, medical insurance, gas, if it weren't for my partner's income, things would be tight.

 

[Matt Gavaghen]

As everyone has stated, it depends on where you live and income depends on too many factors.

I had one girl in my class who, when we were giving the reasons we went into massage, said "To make a lot of money!" Our instructor brought her down to reality real quick. There were 13 of us when we started, by the time we were doing clinicals there were 5 of us. And at this point, only one other woman and I are still licensed and working (graduation was 4/06). I was really lucky and got into a great position right away and I'm still there, very happily. Last year was my first full year of doing massage, working FT and I made about $10,000. There were days when I was booked solid and days when I spent 9 hours there without a single appt. It takes awhile to build up your clientele and get them to refer others to you, it's rare to get out of school and be busy every day (I don't know anyone that has been that lucky although I can't say it's never happened anywhere.) It's a wonderful field if your heart is in it.