Begin a Massage Career - Now is the Best Time

According to the board of Labor and Statistics the need for massage therapists is growing and will continue to do so until at least 2016. This means that this is a great time for those who consider a career in massage therapy. Start your massage career now while massage openings are in abundance.
Starting a Career in Massage Therapy: Why Now Is a Great Time
You probably think that with the uncertain economy and with people cutting back on expenses that nobody would be willing to spend on a body rub. This is not true; according to the board of Labor and Statistics the requirement for massage practitioners is growing and will continue to do so until at least 2016. This means that this is a great chance for those who thinking about a career in massage therapy. Start now while massage opportunities are in abundance. No matter what, body aches and back pains will demand treatment and many people are more inclined to choose a massage session over pain killers.

Where Are the Jobs
Massage therapists are in demand everywhere. In the United States alone almost every state has job postings for therapists and some states have literally dozens of job openings they are trying to fill. So, there is little doubt about getting a job after graduation regardless of where you live. And that doesn't even include the therapists that have their own practice.

Why Is There Such A Need For Massage Therapists?
Massage therapists are hired to work in many different fields. There are massage therapists employed in pain management clinics, spas, luxurious hotels, on cruise ships, and even in tanning and nail salons. Anywhere where accommodating a client is necessary there is a job for a massage practitioner. Some practitioners even make a good living by being on call to provide chair and head massages to corporate and business employees.

Can I Get a Living as a Massage Therapist?
Like almost all other jobs, the probable income as a massage therapist depends much on your experience, your neighborhood, and the setting of your practice. Clearly, employed as a masseuse in a nail shop will earn you less than doing it in an expensive hotel or as a pain management massage therapist. While some massage practitioners may make under the median salary of $37,000 to $60,000 per year there are many of them who earn over $100,000 a year.

How Much Education Do I Need And How Much Will It Cost?
The amount of education you need will vary from state to state and country to country. In the U.S. the standard required training is about 500 hours for a duration of about 6 months . You will also need to take exams for your state license with some states requiring the National certification as well. It will probably be close to a year from the day you begin the school until you will work as an accredited massage therapist.
As for cost, the typical price of becoming massage therapist is around $6,000 with some schooling costing about $10,000. This is way better than the average of $20,000, the price for a single year of college.
If massage therapy is a domain you might like to be a part of, then dedicate a little time finding out more about this promising profession and the type of jobs that are on the market.
Amber Rogan is a massage practitioner and a massage career expert. She promotes alternative healing as a viable remedy and she writes about head massage. She also writes free manuals about massage techniques and in particular Indian head massage techniques.