If you’re passionate about helping people and want a rewarding career with good job security, consider massage therapy. With strong income potential, demand, and intrinsic rewards, it just might be the right fit for your needs.

IS MASSAGE THERAPY A GOOD CAREER PATH?

A career as a massage therapist is rewarding in many ways. Not only will your skills be in high demand, but you will also have a hand in helping people recover from injuries, release stress, and feel better overall. The field also offers solid income potential. As you think about pursuing a career as a Licensed Massage Therapist, here are 10 reasons why it is a good choice:

1. SALARY OPPORTUNITIES

When viewing career options, one of your primary considerations is going to be how much money you can make. It doesn’t matter how rewarding a career path is, if you aren’t making enough to feed your family, you won’t feel fulfilled. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists earn an average of $43,620 a year, which is about $21 an hour. The local Norwest statistics show an average annual income of $46,910 at  $22.50 an hour. The highest-paid massage therapist salary is over $79,000 a year, and the best place to work for higher income potential is in a chiropractic office.

Average Annual Income per by Area:
Office of Chiropractors ….…………......... $58,930
Office of Other Health Practitioners ... $47,930
Personal Care Services …………………..… $44,710
Part-time Independent Contractors .... $29,600

2. JOB GROWTH

Working in a field that is in demand is also important, and you will find that with massage therapy. The projected job growth from 2020 to 2030 is 32%, which is significantly faster than average. If you pursue a career as a massage therapist, you will be in high demand and able to choose your other employment path. 

3. ABILITY TO WORK FOR YOURSELF

One of the perks of pursuing massage therapy licensing is the opportunity to work for yourself if you so wish, with independence and flexibility of your own schedule. Massage therapists can work independently and open their own practices. This allows you to build your own client base, have flexibility in scheduling and create a fantastic work-life balance. 

4. INCREASED FOCUS ON MEDICAL NECESSITY

Ten years ago, many people considered a massage to be a luxury. Today, more people consider it a necessary part of medicine, with the medical industry recommending alternative health care from traditional medicine. The health benefits of body mechanics work are becoming more accepted, and allows good career option for wellness.

5. ABILITY TO CHANGE LIVES

Many massage therapists will say that the ability to improve the health of their clients is one of the biggest perks of the job. You can often get people enough flexibility and pain relief that they are able to move past serious injuries or ailments and get out of bed, walk more easily, alleviate headaches, and feel better overall. When people have less physical pain, their mental health often improves, and they appreciate those who provide their pain relief. 

6. MULTIPLE WORK SETTINGS

Massage therapists can work in medical clinics, chiropractic offices, their own practices, spas and resorts, gyms, and more. The variety of work opportunities is a perk of this career path as well. This flexibility means you can easily find a position if life moves you from your current location to another one or if you want to make a change. It allows you to find the right fit for your life-style and personality. For entrepreneurial-minded individuals especially, this is a huge perk of working in the field as a licensed massage therapist.

7. ENJOYABLE CAREER OUT OF HELPING PEOPLE

One of the best reasons to consider a career in Massage Therapy is that you can build your career out of helping people. This carries a high intrinsic reward that makes getting up for work each day a reward. Overall, LMT report a high level of job satisfaction for the work they do. In the 2021 U.S. New 100 Best Jobs survey, Massage Therapy was ranked among the best career paths. By pursuing a degree, you can enjoy a high level of job satisfaction, and positive life-work balance.

8. ON-GOING LEARNING AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITES

As you develop your craft as a Massage Therapy professional, you will find multiple opportunities to extend your knowledge. Adding modality specialties can help you not only expand your personal knowledge, but also grow your practice and add higher-paying services. You will need to gain continuing education credits to renew your license, so professional growth is built into your career. In the northwest, you have the ability to take advantage of local needs from Sports Recovery, to Wedding and Vacation enthusiasts. Utilize these industries in your career path.

9. PLEASANT WORK ENVIROMENT

For people who do not thrive in a busy, fast-paced work environment, Massage Therapy is ideal. You will work one-on-one with patients in a quiet, calm setting, rather than working in a busy office environment. The industry offers peacefulness, compassion and a great community connection with a less toxic work setting, less overall paperwork, and positive relationships. .  

10. FAST AND AFFORDABLE CAREER PATH

Even though massage therapy can be a lucrative career field, it is also one that has a fast path towards licensing. Gorge Academy of Cosmetology and Massage offers a SIX-MONTH PART-TIME Massage Therapy program. We are a state licensed Private Career School that requires 650 hours, with a part-time schedule set for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 9am to 6pm. We have Enrollment Fees, Book and Kits Costs and a comparative reasonable tuition cost. We offer In-House Financing options to keep monthly payments affordable, and no interest charges or hidden fees. We also connect with local credit unions and a merit based lending source for outside support.
Launch your new career path in just Six-Months!!!


GET STARTED ON YOUR MASSAGE THERAPY TRAINING PATH TODAY…

Working as a massage therapist is rewarding for so many reasons. From flexible work schedules to job growth and security, you can find many perks that make this field worth pursuing. Gorge Academy of Cosmetology and Massage offers a 650 hour program that is completed in just SIX MONTHS, with a part-time schedule of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 9am to 6pm daily. Manageable Book, Kit and Enrollment Fees and In-house tuition financing, or local credit union and merit based lending institute financing options. Click on the Big Blue Box under the "Enrollment" Tab to request full program details, and then email GorgeAcademy@gmail.com to set up a tour to answer your specific questions. Massage begins each Spring and Fall Term in March and August/September. Gorge Academy looks forward to helping you begin your path in a rewarding new career!

10 Benefits to a Career as a Massage Therapist in the Columbia Gorge:

  • Great Earning Potential with a High Hourly Rate and Gratuity Opportunities.

  • Flexible and Rewarding Career where you get to Make Your Own Hours & Schedule.

  • Ability to Get a Job Right Away, either in a Local Salon or Spa, or as an Independent Business Owner.

  • Become Licensed and able to Start your Career in 6 Months, with only Three Days a Week Schedule.

  • Small Quaint Class Sizes and Local Connection to Build Your Clientele while Attending School.

  • Great Work/Life Balance within a Less Stressful and Passionate Industry.

  • Classmates become your Local Colleagues for Networking and Camaraderie.

  • Personally you Stay Fit and Active from Continued Ergonomic Movement and Activity.

  • Your Work Speaks for Itself and a Great Opportunity to Obtain Referral Clientele.

  • Passion for the Health & Wellness Industry, with an Opportunity to Give-Back and Help Others.