It is enough to make a living?..

[friedxtofu]

hmmmm

[bluebelle945]

The one on one contact with people is great but it is a serious business to get into. You have to know a lot of pathology, anatomy and physiology to treat people in a professional manner. You can make decent money if you advertise a lot: massage therapy has become a very popular field of interest. I think the best way to start out is working for some type of medical office (chiro, physical therapy). You can learn a lot and get your name out there if you advertise. Your pay really depends on how much you are willing to work. Specializing in a certain type of modality also helps. I started at 27. I thought about it for a long time before I went to school. I have over a 1000 hours of training: make sure the school you go to is accredited. From what I have heard cruise ships pay the least but you get good tips but the travel has to be awesome. Spas have good tips but they really work you to death. I work in a P.T. office, which is pretty much doctor hours. I am paid as a physical therapy aide by the hour and a massage therapist on top of that. They do the advertising for me and I have learned how to work on specific conditions they do not teach you in school.

[Chryse]

It's always tougher when you're first starting out. ABMP recently did a poll on MT's and how much we earn during our first two years out of school. The average was 9K a year, not much. All of the other MT's I know have part-time (one full-time) jobs. The investment in advertising, even for cheap advertising, and the time that you'll have to invest in doing the advertising yourself is substantial, not to mention getting your name out to every possible human being and why they should come to you.

I worked for a spa and was paid by the client. I made $100 over a two month period and spent at least three times that in gas money. I worked for a chiropractor who only wanted me to show up when there were clients and give me a cheap hourly wage...which would have been great if there were gobs of clients and the drive wasn't so long. The truth is that it's just like anything else: if you want to make a living at it, you will. Honestly, if I had it to do all over again knowing what I know now, I probably wouldn't. But that's me and that's the area I live in. You have to know what your market is for massage.

[friedxtofu]

oh.. thanks for the info. I read the careers book guide recently and currently there are only about 30 jobs opening a year through out the washington state.. which is not alot, sigh i guess i should stick with just a community collge.

[Chryse]

Like I said: if you really want to do it, you can do it. It's much harder starting out, esp if you go to a school like I did where the "business practices" courses are a joke, but in the next four months, I am looking into opening my own spa with other MT's and those in the alternative healthcare field. I am doing well and I know one other massage therapist who is doing well, but it's hard consistent work that's gotten me this far.

I never had luck working for someone else, but it might be different for you. Don't know what your area is like, how they pay, etc.

[innerpeace]

I find that it really depends on the area you are living and working. I have worked in several areas and the difference in income potential was vast. I currently work in the Northern Va, Wash DC area and there is enough stress and income for people to afford massage regularly. My last location was quite different and massage was viewed as a luxury, enjoyed as a gift, and rarely purchased.

I have also worked with chiropractors and this is a great way to start out since they will provide you with referrels or clientelle. There are chiropractors in every state. I have also worked in spas, studios and doctors offices and all have their advantages and were great experiences before starting my own business. Make sure you read up on marketing strategies and how to meet people and sell your services and yourself as a therapist. You may have to create a job for yourself in an existing office in that area rather than wait for an opening.

I'd say the ranges of income I see with my MT friends is from the low part-time end of $15,000 up to full-time $60,000. Don't forget as therapists a full time week for us is around 20-30 hours. So this income is for what most people consider part time hours/work.

[drvncmt]

Vinson I agree with what the others have said. If your serious about getting into massage I'd suggest you start part time and have a reliable income source other than massage. I collect a small pension and my wife works. Iwould not make it if my only income was from massage.
If you are living with your parients why not stress the benefits of massage to them, (My wife has a MT on call for free 24/7 wish I did) an in house MT would be a great benefit for them.
How about PT at community college for the AD and evenings or Week ends at massage school. it would be a lot of work but It's great to help people with massage.
A great profession

something to ponder

[kneadingMassage]

Vinson please don't give up on massage!! It is a great field I truly love it. I get to help people feel better and they come back and even pay me!!

Yes, it is hard to get started, mainly because of the marketing. You have to really get out there and push yourself. What I would suggest would be to take some marketing and business classes at the local college. Take some of your basics. It would make mom and dad happy and trust me you can use the skills. With the English and writing classes always come in handy and so do the math classes.

Its hard figuring out what you want to do when you get out of high school. I didn't start massage school until I was 42, with no regrets. I have done all types of work - secretary, receptionist, waitress, home health aide, and I truly love massage.

If this is what you are meant to do you will find a way to make it work and you may not start here but you will find a way back.

Your mom and dad are just worried about you. Show them that you are serious and want to make the right decision. They will be proud of you no matter what you do.

[SarahMelbyLMT]

I thought that I would tell you just a little about being an MT at 19 yrs of age. I started right out of high school and was done before my 19th birthday. my friends will just be starting there careers and I will be 5 yrs into mine. that to me is pretty cool. I work at a chiropractors office in the next town and love it. I could not see ME doing anything else. I get to help people feel better everyday. I work 25-30 hours a week. and for me right now that is ok. I live at home still and dont have many bills. although I would like to buy a house I then would need a PT job so that I can go shopping or to the movie w/ my friends. I know that I am going to be repeating everyone else when I say if you are serious about becoming a MT then it will work, although you might have to cut a few things here and there.

I would suggest working for someone else first before doing your own thing. It would be less of a headache for you.

I hope this information helps you alittle bit!

Sarah