What are the pros and cons of being a massage therapist?

• Flexibility. As a massage therapist, you will often be able to make your own schedule and choose your own hours. In fact, most massage therapists work part-time. This flexibility is great, as you get to make your schedule work with whatever you need.

• Growing Job Market. Employment of massage therapists was projected to grow 26% from 2016-2026, and it is on track to do that. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is projected that over 200,000 people will be employed as massage therapists in the next decade.

• Various Opportunities. There are many opportunities for massage therapists. You can choose to work in a luxurious spa or within a physical therapy clinic. You can focus on women's health or car crash victims. This flexibility allows you to do what interests you.

• Helping Others. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a massage therapist is the opportunity to help others. Whether it's relieving chronic pain, helping someone recover from an injury, or simply providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, many massage therapists find great satisfaction in their work.

• Skill Specialization. The field of massage therapy is vast and offers the opportunity to specialize in many different types of massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and reflexology. This diversity can ensure that your work remains interesting and challenging.

• Income Potential. While the hours may be limited due to the physical demands of the job, there is potential for a good income, especially if you are self-employed or work in high-end spas and resorts. Tips can also significantly boost earnings.

Cons:

• Physically Demanding. Massage therapists are on their feet during the entirety of the massages, which will be the majority of any shift. You are also working with your hands the entire time, and that can be exhausting.

• Limited Hour Potential. Because of the physical nature of massage therapy, it is almost impossible for massage therapists to work 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week. Your hands need time to rest between massages, which means that if you are seeking a 40-hour work week, this may not work for you.

• Dealing with Clients. Massage therapy is a service-based occupation, which means you will be working with clients and trying to please them. There will be difficult clients, and their happiness is sometimes difficult to achieve. This can be extremely stressful for massage therapists.

• Licensing and Continuing Education. Most states require massage therapists to be licensed, which often involves completing a certain number of hours of training and passing an exam. Furthermore, in order to maintain licensure, continuing education is often required, which can be time-consuming and costly.

• Inconsistent Income. Many massage therapists are paid per session rather than receiving a regular salary. This can lead to inconsistent income, particularly during times when fewer clients are booking appointments. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, full-time hours are often not feasible due to the physical nature of the job.

• Potential for Injury. Given the physically demanding nature of massage therapy, there is a risk of injury. Common issues include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. Taking care of personal health and well-being is crucial in this profession.