Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing career opportunities in America today. As of 2005, the number of massage therapists had jumped to over 100,000. This is a substantial increase from the 24,000 that worked in America six years before. This new interest in massage and the spreading awareness of its effectiveness as a healing technique has opened up many new massage therapy positions.

Once you have graduated from a massage therapy program, the next challenge is to find employment that suits your personality. The recent growth in the massage industry means that there are now more medical positions, cruise ship, spa,  and health club jobs than ever before. These kinds of massage therapy jobs ensure you a steady supply of clients and fairly regular working hours. You may be working directly for the spa, as with a traditional job, or chose a commission position. Another option that many massage therapists pursue is opening their own practice. This can be as complicated as starting your own mini-spa, or as simple as advertising massages in your home, or even at your clients' homes. These options allow you the most freedom in your work, but they also put the responsibility for getting clients and managing the finances of a small business directly on you. You should start investigating the opportunities in your area while you are still completing your
massage therapy training. Familiarize yourself with the way local massage therapists work, and get to know them if you can in order to build a network of therapists that may be able to mentor you or help your new career get started.

Because massage therapy is still a relatively new field, finding work in it can be different than working in more traditional areas. Massage jobs will vary greatly in the particular fees and hours they require. Hourly rates vary between $15 and $150 an hour, depending on the level of experience of the massage therapist, the location, and the therapist's overhead and workload. Massage therapy jobs through a spa will have more restrictions and guidelines than working as a subcontractor or on your own.

When you investigate massage jobs, ask a number of questions. You'll need to know what the company you're applying with is charging the client, versus what they pay you. Also ask how much time you'll be given between clients and how much time you receive for breaks. Find out if you have any other duties. It's easy to let yourself get overworked in a massage job, because it's often the thing you enjoy doing most. You should also find out if you'll be paid on an hourly basis, salaried, or by client.

Will you be paid even if the client misses an appointment? Be up front with your employer when you're applying for a massage therapy job. Don't hesitate to ask questions and find out just what their intentions are. Being frank with your prospective employer reduces the potential for misunderstandings later. If you know that a massage therapy job is the kind of work for you, it can be an amazingly rewarding career. Massage therapy jobs offer you the chance to work with and help people on a daily basis, as well as the opportunity to control your own hours and fees, and to work for yourself if you so desire. 

Chiropractic

Spa's

Medical

Gym

Cruise ship