After being named one of the Top Jobs for 2012 by U.S. News and World Report, massage therapy is looking like a better and better option for budding professionals. Spas that offer massage services and dedicated massage clinics are increasing in number on a regular basis around the country. Massage therapy is considered a legitimate medicinal practice in the West like never before, and many people are jumping on the bandwagon once they see the benefits, leading to a continued increase in demand. Once you consider the facts, you might just decide to switch gears and pursue this rewarding career path.
The most impressive facts about the job outlook for careers in massage therapy come from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau predicts 20 percent employment growth in this field between 2010 and 2020, which translates to an additional 30,000 jobs. It looks like the industry is well on its way to making these projections come true.
As far as salary goes, there is a great deal of potential for massage therapists to do quite well for themselves. The median annual salary for a massage therapist was a respectable $34,900 in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but the top 10 percent of therapists working in the massage field make closer to $70,000 per year.
Getting into this field can be somewhat difficult, but for those who are passionate about their work in holistic medicine, the journey is well worth any such difficulties. Requirements vary by state, but some general requirements include the completion of a formal training program and somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 practice hours. There are also different areas of specialization that require additional training. Having more areas of expertise helps increase the chances of having a successful career in this field, though, so it's worth the extra time for the personal and financial rewards that should follow.
There are jobs available in hospitals, malls, private offices and spas, and some massage therapists even work from their homes, the clients' homes or the clients' places of work. Although the job outlook for massage therapists is very good right now, it's still important for massage therapists to set themselves apart from the competition. Many people are entering the job market and offering a variety of massage services, so it's important to find a way to get ahead of the pack.
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