The demand for professional massage therapists has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to grow even more in the next decade. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimated that employment for massage therapists was expected to increase 20 percent by 2020; faster than average for all occupations. In their 2014-15 report, the DOL revised that projection up to 23 percent.
Complementing this growing demand, the field of massage therapy is full of well-paying job opportunities with flexible schedules, making it a popular career choice.
According to a 2011-12 American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) consumer survey, the average fee charged for a one hour massage was $62, with 69% of therapists working as sole practitioners. Employment settings mentioned in the study included visits to homes, businesses, and corporate settings (65%), working out of private offices (39%), home offices (36%), healthcare settings (27%) and spas (25%).
Clearly, massage therapist certification equips the professional with a highly versatile set of skills that can easily be put to profitable use in a wide variety of employment settings.
Massage Therapist Certification
Leading the industry in accredited massage therapy training is Central Maryland School of Massage (CMSM). At CMSM, students develop the skills, practical experience and confidence to become clinical massage therapists.
Graduates of CMSM are well-prepared to sit for the state and national massage therapy exams necessary to achieve both registration and licensure in the state of Maryland.
1. Registered Massage Practitioners (RMP) can work in Maryland businesses, spas, gyms, salons, health clubs, private practice, resorts, cruise ships, etc., but are prohibited from working in healthcare settings.
2. Licensed Massage Therapists can work in Maryland health care settings, such as hospitals, doctor’s offices or chiropractor’s offices, in addition to anywhere an RMP can work.
Once registered or licensed, CMSM grads enter the professional world of massage with confidence, knowing they have the clinical proficiency to excel in this growing and competitive profession.
Salary and Employment Opportunity
1. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook reported the median annual wage for massage therapy at $35,970.
Exciting occupational statistics add to the potential of making a profitable living as a massage therapist:
1. DOL projection data for 2012 to 2022 estimates massage therapy employment will grow from 132,800 to 162,800 jobs.
