Massage therapy is a rapidly growing field that is projected to continue its expansion in the coming years.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of massage therapists is expected to grow by 21% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This increase in demand is due in part to the growing recognition of the health benefits of massage therapy. As more people seek natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness, it has emerged as a popular form of treatment for a range of conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression.
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, there are many opportunities available to you. In this article, we’ll explore the job outlook for therapists. Plus, we’ll explore the various career paths you can pursue.
Job outlook for massage therapists
As mentioned above, the BLS projects a 21% increase in employment of massage therapists from 2019 to 2029. This growth is due in part to the ageing population. Older adults are more likely to experience health conditions that can be treated with this type of therapy.
In addition, as more people seek out non-invasive and non-pharmacological treatments for their health issues, massage therapy is becoming increasingly popular as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. This trend is expected to continue as more research supports its effectiveness in treating a range of conditions.
Career paths for massage therapy graduates
There are many career paths available to graduates of massage school, ranging from working in spas and wellness centres to starting your own private practice. Here are some of the most common career paths for massage therapy graduates:
Spa therapist
One of the most common career paths for massage therapy graduates is to work as a spa therapist. Spa therapists work in a variety of settings, including day spas, resort spas, and cruise ships. They provide a range of massages, including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and aromatherapy.
Clinical massage therapist
Clinical massage therapists work in medical settings, such as hospitals, chiropractic offices, and physical therapy clinics. They use the therapy as a form of treatment for patients with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain, sports injuries, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Sports massage therapist
Sports massage therapists work with athletes to help them prevent injuries, recover from training and competition, and improve their performance. They may work with professional sports teams, collegiate sports programs, or individual athletes.
Private practice owner
Many massage therapy graduates choose to start their own private practice, either immediately after graduating or after gaining some experience working for other employers. Running a private practice can be challenging. But it offers the opportunity to have more control over your schedule and your work environment.
Wellness centre employee
Wellness centres are becoming increasingly popular as people seek out holistic approaches to health and wellness. Massage therapy is a key service provided by many wellness centres. Graduates of massage school can find employment in these settings as part of a team of wellness professionals.
Conclusion
The growing demand for massage therapy is creating many opportunities for graduates of massage school. With a projected 21% increase in employment over the next decade, this is a field that offers job security and growth potential.
Whether you choose to work as a spa therapist, clinical therapist, sports therapist, private practice owner, or wellness centre employee, there are many career paths available to you.
