Massage Therapist

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Work Tasks

• Work the soft tissue of the body to stop or prevent pain, muscle twitches, and stress
• Massage people, using hands and massage skills
• Apply alcohol, oils, or other rubbing lotions
• May examine people and recommend exercises or treatments
• Work for medical clinics, health clubs, nursing homes, hospitals, sports groups, cruise ships, and hotels
• Work with people, hands and massage tools, alcohol, oils, lotions, and other rubbing lotions; steam or dry heat, infrared or ultraviolet, and water treatments

Salary, Size & Growth

• $30,000 average per year ($14.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (60,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.9% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A certificate or degree from an accredited program at a vocational school or 2-year college
• Skills/Courses: Courses include massage therapy, anatomy, physiology, business ethics, first aid, and CPR.
• Certification/Licensing: Most states require licensure or certification of massage therapists.