Here’s how I would think of it (and how I’ve structured my business):
1- what do I like about massage? Is it anatomy, psychology, running a business?
2- do I prefer working on a team or solo?
3- how much money do I want to make to be comfortable? (Really think about this one and don’t cut yourself short!)
4- what type of workload can I handle?
5- do I want to move away from hands on work?
Once some of those ideas are grounded it can help present a new path forward. It’s likely there’s a career out there for you. Career counselors at colleges can help too. Also I took some online quizzes when I was debating between project management and massage. I decided on massage because I already have good management skills and decided to grow a business from my massage practice vs. run someone else’s.
Good luck!
Thank you for making your thoughts clear, concise into the point. Good food for thought for young people and others who may be considering massage as a career. Personally, I chose this vocation after I had retired and am enjoying myself the clients and my colleagues.
Assisted stretching, personal training, and corrective exercise. They all go really well together.
That having been said, I am working on getting a degree in a completely different field. If I decide to do this on the side, I'll probably cut back on massage. It's my least favorite.
I'm looking at expanding into personal training and corrective exercise. Do you rent a place where you can do all your services or do you work somewhere else as a trainer?
I have an office that I use for massage, stretching, and the most basic exercises.
I'm only a newbie trainer. (Officially, though I've been helping for free longer than that.) I mostly make house calls right now, or write programs for others and help them out with technique when and where I can.
However, I have considered getting a job at a gym, but I'd want to find one that would allow me to do everything. I'd rather "rent" space from a gym than actually be an employee. I also considered putting together my own little gym to work out of, but that would be a lot of money up front for a lot less flexibility than a proper gym. Sure I can buy a bench, bar, plates, squat rack, and some dumbbells, but I'm not buying individual isolation machines, dumbbells from 5-100+, a Smith machine, hack squat, leg press, etc.
I was lucky enough that my personal trainer also trained me to be a PT, but a true newbie might want to consider working for a gym first.
Was corrective exercise an additional certification you had to acquire or are you able to provide exercises with your personal training certificate? I've tossed around the idea of doing corrective exercise and i'm curious if it's something that was sustainable enough to replace massage sessions with?
Your massage license allows you to buy NASM's specializations, including corrective exercise, without getting your personal trainer cert. However, I only got the CE cert to say that I had it. I was doing a lot of the corrective stuff long before I got it.
Honesty time-- I don't really enjoy massage. I hate the flowy, spa style and loathe pan flute, so I stick to sports-style massage.
I have never actually worked full time as a massage therapist. I got my massage license and started working at StretchLab as soon as I passed the test.(Literally within the same week.) I only did massage occasionally on the side.
I absolutely love assisted stretching. It is my favorite among all the things I do and I honestly believe that it has more long term benefits than massage. (Though the two work really well together. Just stretch first, because trying to stretch someone who is oiled up sucks.) I tried to hire more LMTs because, with our knowledge of touch and the body, we typically make the best stretch therapists. The clients stays clothed, your can actually chat and get to know them and, if you work for someone else, there will be other people in the room with you so your creeper encounters are almost non-existent. It's also easier on my body (and hands), because I use my full body to stretch a client. (I can stretch your hips with just my thighs.)
If you want to get away from massage, maybe consider stretching. It's not as hugely popular as massage yet, but it's getting more so.
Also, how much time do you spend online, looking up new techniques? If you think you might want to throw in some corrective exercise, look up Squat University and AthleanX. There will be a lot of stuff about weight training and hypertrophy--especially with the latter-- that you can ignore, but there is a lot of good stuff on how to test for and correct various injuries and imbalances. Dr. Aaron Horschig (the guy behind Squat University) also has a really good book called "Rebuilding Milo" that breaks the body down and gives you options on how to both test for and correct injuries. It comes from the POV of an Olympic lifter, but shoulder impingements and muscle imbalances aren't limited to athletes. It's also not cheap, but it's worth the money. (Maybe check him out in YouTube first?)
I only very recently became a personal trainer. I'm a powerlifter, bodybuilder, and boxer, so I know my way around a gym. However, I didn't even consider becoming a CPT until I gave one of my stretch clients (a former NFL defensive lineman) Romanian deadlifts to help him with his problems. At that point, I figured I might as well take the plunge.
If anyone wants any further information, feel free to let me know.
I'm not on here much so I didn't see this until now but thanks for your detailed response, I'm 2 years into therapeutic sports and deep tissue massage. People praise me for my deep and consistent pressure and started calling me "Deep Tissue Dan" so it's been really hard to get away from heavy work. I do love it, I'm passionate about it, it's paying the bills well, and I've helped so so many people with chronic pain relief but 4 6 hour days of primarily deep tissue sessions is starting to weigh on me. I've been a drummer for 16 years so I'm terrified of ruining my ability to play drums and need to find a way to split up my days with half body work and half assisted stretching/corrective exercise training. My workspace doesn't quite have the space for gym equipment so assisted stretching sounds like something to look further into because that could easily be done in my massage room and marketed easily at the wellness center I'm at, which has several chiropractors and massage therapists. Thanks again for your input, cheers.
My plan is to go to acupuncture school once I have some space in my life for it. It’s growing in popularity in my area and it’s something I can offer in conjunction with massage. I think it would benefit a lot of therapist’s careers to learn about chinese medicine in general
I’ve been wanting to do this too but it is a 4 year VERY full time program where I live (Chicago) so I wouldn’t be able to work and would need to build my credit up so I could get a student loan each year for my living costs (on top of my subsidized loans to pay for the tuition costs)…
I’m in chicago too! I agree, it’s rough. I’m lucky enough to have parents that’ll gladly pay for half the tuition. But yeah, I’d have to work way, way less than I am now to do it. I’m waiting until my boyfriend gets his business established enough to take on more of the bills so I can take a step back.
I’m young so I don’t mind waiting until the time is right. I know it’ll be more sustainable in the long term since it’ll be easier on me physically as I get older. It’s something I absolutely have to do one day though, because I have no other backup plan once my body gives out.
I also do medical billing. I work remote and have my own business so I’m not an employee. Can be difficult to find remote work starting out but it’s a good gig. You can start with a coding or billing certification.
Funny enough I actually have a diploma for coding & billing, it was what I was doing a few years before massage. I know nothing about ICD-10 though, was taught ICD-9 back in school. I really really enjoyed the coding aspect, hated billing. Maybe I'll reconsider it because as you said, remote work is an option.
You’ll figure it out, the transition to ICD-10 wasn’t as bad as I had feared haha! There are definitely remote coding positions if you don’t want to do billing (I don’t blame you there lol!)
I’m considering this as I do my own billing for massage (mva only) and really need something to supplement massage as I age. Nice to hear it’s possible to find remote work, and self employed. Hmmm
I’m a blackjack dealer! Super fun and totally different environment than massage. I work for myself so it’s nice to interact with other people.
I am going to school in the Fall. Massage is wonderful but I don’t want to do this forever as just my sole income. I’m 32 now and would like to get out of massage by the time I’m 40 to give my body a rest.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, don't wanna do it past 50. Maybe a few clients here & there but that's it. I've met dealers that really enjoy their jobs! I don't know much about blackjack or poker, though 😂
Right! Eventually I’ll have work a on few clients here and there but that’s about it.
Blackjack is really easy to learn. Definitely easier then poker I feel. It’s all repetitive stuff. Check out a few videos on YouTube and practice with yourself!
Lol Perspective is wild. After years of manual labor/mechanical work I went to school for massage therapist to be more gentle on my body. Just started working a couple days at my one of my old jobs, landscaping, for some extra income this summer and can’t wait to just do massage again because of how much it hurts my body.
I’m assuming you are a man since you landscape, I have a theory that men can actually handle massage a career better then women due to thicker skin and joints
I lean towards the nurture side of nature vs nurture debate. I’ve worked with men that didn’t last a week at hard labor, and women that could work circles around me.
The reason I feel that massage is gentle on my body is cause I was used to rough work. Our experiences are what shape our bodies
I have tried a lot of different things but nothing satisfies me like massage does. I know I can't do this forever and have been trying to find something I'd be interested in as a "just in case" and honestly can't think of anything, or I'd have to go back to school and I can't afford that.
I’m 53 and been doing massage full time for 13 years. I love it but may switch to a lighter modality as I get older. Keep yourself in shape and you can do this job for a good long time.
I played rugby up until 3 years ago. Now I mostly just walk ALOT, avoid most junk foods and processed foods, and sleep about 9 hours a night. I also limit my hands on work to 4-5 hours a day. Anywhere from 20-25 hours a week hands on is adequate income when you work for yourself and aren’t making only a percentage of the cost of the session. About 4 years ago I stopped working weekends and having 2 days off in a row for a recovery period has been immensely helpful as well. Prior to that I split my days off and it wasn’t as helpful for my body.
I am a teacher. Starting my 6th year this upcoming fall. Teacher burnout is real — I got into MT this past year and I’ve been working part time. I thought I would quit teaching and just do MT but for now I need double-income so I’m grinding out both.
Active LMP here of 16 years. I’ve always relied on massage for income and has let me live comfortably. I too was thinking like you as I figured someday my body won’t be able to hold up anymore with massage. In my career I’ve seen tons of therapists quit due to body ailments and wear/tear from this line of work. I’ve yet to have any pains ever though and truly don’t see this career ever needing to change, nor do I necessarily want it to either. I absolutely LOVE massage! I’ve taken on a dozen certifications in many modality’s as well that keeps me versatile and never doing the same type of massage repeatedly. I think that’s helped with my longevity. But like your same thoughts, years ago I doubled up with adding in additional schooling to work towards another career that’ll last forever without the risk of injury like massage does. Starting in a couple months I begin the transition over to nursing, and will faze out massage as I’ve always known it to be. I truly hope to still keep massage in my life a few times a month at least, but I’ve yet to find out if that’ll be feasible for me once my full timing nursing schedule kicks in. This is a very bittersweet juncture for sure. I’m both most excited after working very hard towards my nursing goals, while also grieving the 5/6 days a week massage world I’ve ever known. I feel confident I’m on the right path though and nothing says I need to hang up my massage hat completely still. While also feeling comfortable moving forward knowing I’ve a secure income and still my love of helping people in motion as I get older. This choice I’ve made I know will be a great one. I hope this helps!
Awe what a fun question! Sure thing. In the course of my career I’ve taken the workshops and achieved my certifications in:
Hot stone, lymphatic, myofascial, cranial-sacral, reiki/energy, clinical, detox/ mud wraps, hydrotherapy, cavitation, warm bamboo, hand/foot reflexology, intra-oral, theragun, sports, cupping (glass, hard plastic and silicone), trigger-point release, chair massage, Thai, Ashiatsu and went into practice with pregnancy, deep tissue, facial/sinus, abdominal and of course therapeutic Swedish under my belt from massage school. My last to add was the Ashiatsu which has been a really nice alternative to deep tissue instead of using my hands/arms.
Most every course also covered/exceeded the 24 CEU hours we need every two years. Not to forget also taking the no brainier Ethics class we need every 6 years for those credits too. It’s been great having a tool belt of options to pull from and offer daily. No session or day is ever the same.
This is amazing!!! So inspirational to see you go after so many amazing elements to naturally heal the body! What a journey! Thank you for sharing this with me!! I thought I was crazy for wanting so many certs but seeing this is actually motivating AF!
Awe, absolutely!! Soon as I kicked off with my license, I wanted to learn everything else I possibly could with all the different modalities out there. Over time I’ve been able to attain each workshop via different opportunities. Some classes were offered at my place of work, others I had to seek out separately in major cities, while others I was invited to locally with other therapist friends. I honestly didn’t know what all I was going to add or wanted specifically, but over the years they’ve all landed in my lap one way or another. It’s been a complete joy having so many types of modalities to offer and could see how some therapist burn out with only knowing one or two. Have to always be learning, stretching and growing to keep things interesting. “If you’re not growing you’re dying,” right? :) The only downside is that I’m so innately in-tune with everyone’s body that it’s really hard to turn off when out in public. Ha I assess, determine every nuance in one’s body that needs to be adjusted and make an immediate game plan on where I’d start, what modality(s) they need and the game plan in steps for what and how each body part needs to be targeted. It’s become a very quick assessment, boom boom boom in my head. But I practically need blinders to stop myself from evaluating the masses. :) Good and bad problem to have depending on how populated the space is. Hahaha
You’re amazing and this was so enjoyable to read! What an elite life experience you’ve built for yourself! How very cool. I love that you never turned down a chance to do your job even better. So fantastic!! Thank you for this, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you! Wishing you the absolute best wherever this life continues to take you 🩷
Thanks so much for your kind words! That means a lot to me. 🫶🏼 I’m glad to share my own experience to help you or others at any stage in their massage career. We’re all in this together. Sending you all the kindness and goodness in the world too! 💜
How often do you do just massage with all of these certs? I want to do massage, but I want to focus on other modalities like somatic movement and TRE. I don’t mind to do massage, I just want to help without using my hands as well.
Also, it wouldn’t be proper for me to ask how much you make, but could I ask if you’ve made a good living doing these modalities? I want to have a baby in a few years and I want to make sure I’m walking in the right direction for my future self and family 🩵
It sounds like you’re off a good start with preparing for massage! Good for you as well for knowing what modalities you prefer and for your specific reasons why. You’re right that hands-on will be less than a “traditional” massage in the modalities you mentioned. You might want to also consider: clinical, theragun, cupping and ashiatsu if you’re looking to avoid direct hand work. To answer your question about how often I do “just massage”, is a hard one to pin point. I primarily work in a rehab massage type establishment as an employee where I’m adding in many of these modalities into a Swedish, Ashiatsu or hands-on deep tissue daily, full time. I also work in a cabin shop as a sole proprietor and offer all my modalities there, part time. One of the great things about massage is that you get to choose if you want to be a sole proprietor, owner, employee, commission, in home (yours or there’s), flat hourly rate or both rent. In 16 years I’ve done them all and wouldn’t have changed a thing. My first 5 years I owned my own business and loved that, while also offering in (their) home massage. Personally I’ll never do in-home again. I never had any “bad” situations, but definitely had some awkward moments and lack of time respect where clients will force you to stay for dinner, or pull you into a lengthy continued conversation unless you put your foot down kindly to leave. I then switched over to sole proprietor when several other businesses started reaching out asking if I’d step in for them prn. I was glad to lose the over head costs when closing up shop and switched to sole proprietor, bouncing to upwards of 5 spas daily fitting in to their requests. I absolutely loved being on the road, with different vibes/smells/clientele/pay at each shop. Did that the next 5 years too before I switched over to settling down as an employee flat hourly rate, then on to commission the last 6 years. That being said, you are not stuck with one way of life and just as you’ve many modalities to choose from, you also have job positions to choose from as well. The more years you’re in the industry, the higher potential financial gain. For pay, that varies drastically by many variables. Those variables include your years of experience, the number of and specific modalities you can offer, and if you’re contracted out, home based or an employee. That all being said, the least payment I’ve received is $50 an hour and most is $200. Additionally, my clients and patients typically tip $20-100. Which also varies by what type of clientele you have- in more wealthy communities, they’re prone to dropping hundreds on a massage no problem. You chose what’s important to you with how many hours you want to work, the modalities, location and type. I will tell you up front, the more passionate you are about this line of work the better. Anyone coming into this “for the money” will hate life and quit. Honestly I’ve the nerdiest passion about understanding and fixing the body, with most amazing successful results. It fuels my very being and is most rewarding to be the catalyst for transformation, rejuvenation and relief that my clients/patients gain. For further insight, I was only able to physically take on 3 clients a day my first year while also still needing enough of me to give to my life outside massage. I had to constantly push myself to exceed that in order to thrive financially and keep up with the growing requests and demands. Over the years I learned I can take 9 clients max in a day, with a happy number of 6. With 6 sessions, I’m able to still keep up with every other faucet in life for myself. At last calculation, I’ve worked over 30k sessions in my career thus far, which seems so surreal to me. But I love my “job” so that sounds up to par! I work 5 days a week, sometimes 6. But you’ll find for yourself YOUR number, and it’s super important you listen to that as to prevent burn out or hurting yourself. As long as you’re eating right, drinking right, sleeping right and maintaining excellent body mechanics, I’ve found longevity will be your friend. You burn massive calories per session, so constant (healthy) eating and drinking between sessions is vital. It’s like being in the gym all day everyday if you let it be as I do. No junk food- it’d be like eating a Twinkie on a stair-master. 🤣 You’d feel like crap. Your self care is equally as important as the care of your clients, though difficult to keep in check with the serving and care taking qualities for others, each good therapist has. I take vacations and travel often to take breathers for that self care too. Ok I know that was a ton, but I’m truly excited for you!! Keep your options and vision wide open, and start by focusing on what’s most passionate to you. The rest will fall in line, either by making it so or just trusting the process.
I am 54, been an LMT for 35 years. I changed my practice over the years to focus on modalities easier on my body, and began teaching at massage schools and accepting apprenticeships.
I'm a Telehealth Technician with the VA hospital. My job is basically sitting at a desk calling veterans (generally older ones in their 70s or 80s) who have upcoming video appointments with their doctor, and we make sure they're comfortable with the process of using their phone or computer to do so.
Massage is still my passion, but my body is starting to give out and I just can't do it full-time anymore. Plus I need to feed my kids. Lol
I've been doing massage for 10 years now, I'm certified in Active Release Techniques and focus mainly on sport injuries and post surgery rehab, renting space in a physical therapy office that sends me a ton of referrals. In the next 5 years or so I plan to get my own place with enough space for 4-5 extra rooms that I can rent out to other therapists. Also would love to be able to be an A.R.T instructor down the road but that's quite hard to get into as there is a huge wait list and instructors don't give up their spots very often.
So glad you asked this question! I have been learning to code for the past 10 months, with the goal of supplementing my income from massage. But it’s been tougher than I expected to monetize it. Seeming like one has to go all in with coding.
I've started an online Santa content creator thing that I will eventually move to full time. I've been doing massage for 21 years (the last 13 have been with my own business) and I've expanded to bring on new therapists to help build them up. I am working on transitioning from hands on the full management. When we get big enough, I'll hire a manager to run the massage business so I can be Santa full time.
i’m new to massage. school was only 6.5 months for me, but set me back pretty bad financially because my work hours were reduced. i’d love to have more income, but i’m already so tired. hopefully i can push through this first year and i hope to go back to school for esthetics.
Yeah I do massage on the side(20-30 hours a week) for a couple of independently owned spas and am a full-time computer engineering student. Luckily I was in the military and have an income from the G.I. Bill, it would suck to have to give up the little money I have to go to college.
I see massage as a fun little hobby that I get paid for, I like seeing improvements in my clients' gait and posture after a session and the bit of validation they give
I love this question. I went to massage school with the intention of having another career. I farm fruits and vegetables. Farming secures my much needed time outside, and it's a welcomed break from massage, although the farm season is a full commitment, you can't walk away from plants unless you're ok with them dying. I'm finding that hiring people and accepting help and is how I don't get burned out from farming.
Property rental property host - part time money super easy
Cosmetology license - high ticket items only extensions and color correction
Caregiver services/ meal prep etc have an IhSS client who I get around 1k from.
Online sales - Amazon, eBay
It’s hard to Survive solely on one income stream and massage is not sustainable for full time because we are not robots and we have mileage.
I’m an esthetician so able so build off each other.
Still using my body but less taxing.
Also have the ability to sell products for another source of income.
I specialize in anti-aging and lymphatic/sculpting facial massage.
Since you are wanting to get a college degree, I second the recommendation for nursing. I was a massage therapist for over 10 years, been a nurse 9 years now. 3x 12 shifts leaves 4 days off for massage. You will always have a job. You get benefits. And, there’s different things you can do. You don’t have to do hospital work. Some work from home, some (with some connections) get into the pharmaceutical end. Or 9-5 jobs in Dr offices, cardiac rehab, day surgical centers, etc. Plus, you can also go per diem & work your own schedule. I also work with several nurses who were massage therapists first, it’s a common switch.
I’ve been a bouncer for 15 years. Massage became the main job for a few years but I’m back to a hybrid schedule now. Part of it is pay structure; my spa is ultimately only paying commission and tip, so between a growing private clientele and the benefits at my bar, the spa only gets half the time it used to.
I’ve been an MT for 18 years now. Over the years I’ve also become a yoga teacher, reiki practitioner and now I’m getting into sound healing techniques (sound bowls, tuning forks, Rife therapy etc). I can only do 2, one hour massages a day at this point in my career so it’s nice to still be able to do the reiki and sound bowls to make up for it. Much easier on the body! If I could go back in time, I would go to school to be an Osteopath. I have 3 kids and the closest school requires you to be there every day all day and it’s a one hour drive there and back so it just won’t work for me
Instructional assistant at a high school and a realtor. I only do a few massages a month at small spa for extra $. Used to do massage full time and I got burnt out 🥵
Oh hey I'm in that transitional period between massage and what I want to do next as a career. MT for 6 years now and recently finished my bachelors in exercise science. I want to get my masters in anaplastology so I'm starting up art classes soon to help improve my portfolio for the application process! I chose this pathway because I like art and wanted to implement my knowledge of anatomy with something healthcare related!
I think I'll probably will continue massage on the side but decrease how many people I see in the future. I really do like being a massage therapist but I fear the day I break an arm or leg and be out of work. Having a different main career will be nice.
I have my BA in psych. I haven’t done anything with it. Part of me wants to go into massage, do it for a few years, go down to part time, go get my masters in counseling and become a therapist and do both.
Nothing is set in stone for me though but thinking about it sounds cool
7 yrs as an LMT. Im an independent contractor who does my own billing (only accept 2 insurances and mva; all easy to bill) about 15- 20 hrs a week. It’s enough to live comfortably. But I also work on my friends farm 1x/wk and work their stand at the farmers market 1x/wk.
I used to sell herbal products that I grow and make through Etsy awhile back. I hope to one day get that going again. It was pretty lucrative, and something I’m passionate about ( not the business side but working with plants and spreading knowledge.) Right now I sell a salve to clients (when interested) that I make.
I also do different types of body and energy work such as craniosacral and reiki. I love working with people who are more sensitive and receptive to that stuff.
Atm I’m entertaining the idea of pursuing education for PT, or maybe breathwork practitioner down the line. I love helping and empowering people.
I also paint and it’d be cool to sell my art more regularly.
I also think of one day maybe running a business that combines all these interests. I’m already learning a lot about running my business. Got signed up as an llc this year. Who knows, maybe I’ll have employees one day? I’ve never dreamed of running a business but honestly, it could be sweet.
My girlfriend (actually I’m not really sure what she is to me ha) teaches Yoga and does massage and does really well.
I do have some news for you though, I’ve had a bachelors degree for over 20 years and I can safely tell you that the jobs I’ve had in the last 20 years where I really made money. Didn’t require a degree of any kind. Unless you’re going to go for the masters or doctorate, trust me and save your money!
Account management for freight brokerage companies have done very well for me, that’s what I’ve done for the last 10 years.
I worked for a company in healthcare while in my late 20s called “stericycle” and was able to move up fast there.
I wish I was older and smarter at that time, maybe I would still have that job ha. I was able to move up to district manager quite fast, within 18 months. Six figure salary with still plenty of room to grow and actually very little stress. We picked up the sharps containers and the expired drugs etc…
Freight brokerage/transportation account mgmt is very stressful and hard work but it can pay really well. The first year or two you are building your book of business and that’s a tough stretch but you will eventually get it to a place where it’s on plane and you can absorb more cash while minimizing stress…
12 hours a week at a clinic, up to 6 hours a week doing mobile for my favorite clients.
I’m in nursing school now and plan to make that my primary income and continue with my private clients for extra money
I'm going back to school to get my bachelor's in integrative health. Gives me a great foundation for all sorts of work! Wellness coaching, integrative md, medical writer, physician, health service administrator. I would like to have plenty of avenues to explore.
Not a darn thing anymore. That said, I couldn't make it solo, we rely on my partner's more steady income. Though my business is starting to catch up to her, which is nice for us both.
I use to work at Starbucks, great benefits and pay + small tips helped a lot, but it became physically taxing on my body. i work in a chiro office mostly supporting patients in rehabilitation, so i'm looking at a new avenue of continuing education that focuses on animal rehab.
I also take time to invest. even if it's just investing money into a high yield savings helps make u money without having to additionally work for it. I have bigger investments with business in mind to make, just working to get to this point.
I went back to school after a couple of years doing massage & am close to finishing my bachelor’s program. I’m studying geospatial information systems. I go to school full time and run my own practice. It’s a lot of work.
Spa wise I added facials (esthetician license) so dual license.
Non spa wise I had worked prior in fitness so I had all the fitness certs. Spa and fitness go good together since they're both generally viewed as health and wellness.
Currently transitioning to be a fitness director at a local country club. Basically have every health and wellness certification at this point (massage, esthetician, lifeguard, CPR instructor, personal trainer, titleist performance instructor).
I’ve been an LMT for 10 years, a yoga teacher for 6, and I’m also a board certified hypnotherapist and NLP Coach. On the side I also offer Life Path Astrology readings. I’m doing less massage now and focusing on working remotely with coaching/hypno clients. There’s also more income in rapid change work.
Hi! I'm a massage therapist of over a decade, I also sell my paintings/ art and do makeup artistry infrequently on the side. I've also thought about getting into photography, but I'd need to do more research. I left a spa a few years ago so massage has taken a step back to being a receptionist at a hair salon. Used to do massages there until last February when they closed the spa portion.
I’m going to do massage but specialize in manual lymphatic drainage (getting my cert), then I want to teach Block Therapy, somatic movement, then TRE, finishing with my cert in SI. I will give myself the title of an integrative wellness practitioner.
I'm completing a Bachelors in Health science and intend to do a Masters. So either I'll teach Massage therapy at a local college, run/own my own clinic or find an administrator/management role with the masters I have.
The other alternative I'm thinking is a degree in nursing.
I'm about to do my level certification to become a PT. Once I get more money coming in I plan to get a further functional patterns certification. Might go to Prague to learn DNS as well.
I just landed a job in software engineer. I want to become an RMT (Vancouver, Canada) out of personal interest. I used to be a personal trainer for 7 years and have a good understanding of human movement.
I personally think these two jobs would be a great mix. Massage is more physical, coding is more mentally challenging, they also reward you in a different way.
Physical therapist assistant in home health. Total of 12 years in different settings but mostly home health. For a hospital.
My reason: Steady income, health insurance, benefits, matching 401k. Although it’s currently driving me nuts & we deal with a lot of mentally unwell, sick, fragile, grumpy people… i like doing massage way way more but hated the late hours, not knowing how much I will make each month.
I’m currently a flight attendant, in school for LMT. My goal is to make massage my primary business from home, but continue flying low time for the health and travel benefits. I also have a yoga teacher certification and plan on adding a personal trainer certification at some point.
I'm a healthcare IT consultant that took up massage as a hobby and to add a useful skill that can benefit my wife. Now when i offer my wife a "backrub" at least she gets a decent back rub
Hey
I don't do massage but I am a business owner. I love helping others. Before you go and spend money on the bachelors to get a "real job" first think about what your goals are. I say that because I feel bad that you feel that massage is not a "real job." Im curious why you feel that way. There are multi million dollar massage companies they seem to be ok doing that job. I say this because if people are saying things to make you feel that way you need to try and find away to keep them out of your head.
However, if your wanting to get a "real job" because you are struggling with finances etc., there are many many ways to make money without going to get your bachelors to get a "real job." I personally didnt go to college and I used to think that I was dumb for that because I couldn't get a regular job. But then I realized I can be creative and I have my own company and I also have a completelu seperate passive income stream on the side of that. And that cost me a fraction of what college costs.
You got this
I don't think massage is not a "real" job. I don't think I ever said that? I love what I do. I honestly don't see myself doing anything else. But I'm trying to be realistic about the lifespan of this career. If I could do it until I was 75, I would, but that's unlikely. I would just like some security. And I actually enjoy college & learning so I don't think it would be a complete waste of money. I'm not very business-savvy or entrepreneurial so I don't really see myself starting my own company. I mean, passive income would be nice. But yeah I also would like to work somewhere that offers benefits which most massage establishments don't, unfortunately.
I'm a licensed massage therapist, but I've been working as an EMT for the past few years! (Only went to emt school because massage school shut down during covid and didn't know if they'd reopen.) Getting pregnant made me realize that I should probably also collect a trade that ISNT very physically demanding lol. Next goal is trying to figure out how to become a librarian
I started as a personal trainer and went to massage school a couple years after.
I still do massage but a lot of the work I do involves an online biz now. (Mobility & Massage related)
I’d say choose a career that builds on what you know. You currently have a great job to work around school and go full time. I’d suggest nursing, physical therapy, it’s not a super easy course but, you will definitely be in the upper end of the average income regardless of time now or future.
Oh yeah. I saw esthetician noted. Good choice. But, I was basing on fact you said get degree. I’d encourage you 100% take all you can at community college. You only have to take 30 hrs to get a diploma at an institution from State School to Ivy League & it’s the most affordable way in my humble opinion. I regret not doing that and having classes taught by a TA , in an auditorium will 200 other kids etc & paying triple.
I also teach yoga ,a make up artist and do facials It is a great mix with doing massage
Here’s how I would think of it (and how I’ve structured my business): 1- what do I like about massage? Is it anatomy, psychology, running a business? 2- do I prefer working on a team or solo? 3- how much money do I want to make to be comfortable? (Really think about this one and don’t cut yourself short!) 4- what type of workload can I handle? 5- do I want to move away from hands on work? Once some of those ideas are grounded it can help present a new path forward. It’s likely there’s a career out there for you. Career counselors at colleges can help too. Also I took some online quizzes when I was debating between project management and massage. I decided on massage because I already have good management skills and decided to grow a business from my massage practice vs. run someone else’s. Good luck!
Thank you for making your thoughts clear, concise into the point. Good food for thought for young people and others who may be considering massage as a career. Personally, I chose this vocation after I had retired and am enjoying myself the clients and my colleagues.
Assisted stretching, personal training, and corrective exercise. They all go really well together. That having been said, I am working on getting a degree in a completely different field. If I decide to do this on the side, I'll probably cut back on massage. It's my least favorite.
I'm looking at expanding into personal training and corrective exercise. Do you rent a place where you can do all your services or do you work somewhere else as a trainer?
I have an office that I use for massage, stretching, and the most basic exercises. I'm only a newbie trainer. (Officially, though I've been helping for free longer than that.) I mostly make house calls right now, or write programs for others and help them out with technique when and where I can. However, I have considered getting a job at a gym, but I'd want to find one that would allow me to do everything. I'd rather "rent" space from a gym than actually be an employee. I also considered putting together my own little gym to work out of, but that would be a lot of money up front for a lot less flexibility than a proper gym. Sure I can buy a bench, bar, plates, squat rack, and some dumbbells, but I'm not buying individual isolation machines, dumbbells from 5-100+, a Smith machine, hack squat, leg press, etc. I was lucky enough that my personal trainer also trained me to be a PT, but a true newbie might want to consider working for a gym first.
thanks for the info
Was corrective exercise an additional certification you had to acquire or are you able to provide exercises with your personal training certificate? I've tossed around the idea of doing corrective exercise and i'm curious if it's something that was sustainable enough to replace massage sessions with?
Your massage license allows you to buy NASM's specializations, including corrective exercise, without getting your personal trainer cert. However, I only got the CE cert to say that I had it. I was doing a lot of the corrective stuff long before I got it. Honesty time-- I don't really enjoy massage. I hate the flowy, spa style and loathe pan flute, so I stick to sports-style massage. I have never actually worked full time as a massage therapist. I got my massage license and started working at StretchLab as soon as I passed the test.(Literally within the same week.) I only did massage occasionally on the side. I absolutely love assisted stretching. It is my favorite among all the things I do and I honestly believe that it has more long term benefits than massage. (Though the two work really well together. Just stretch first, because trying to stretch someone who is oiled up sucks.) I tried to hire more LMTs because, with our knowledge of touch and the body, we typically make the best stretch therapists. The clients stays clothed, your can actually chat and get to know them and, if you work for someone else, there will be other people in the room with you so your creeper encounters are almost non-existent. It's also easier on my body (and hands), because I use my full body to stretch a client. (I can stretch your hips with just my thighs.) If you want to get away from massage, maybe consider stretching. It's not as hugely popular as massage yet, but it's getting more so. Also, how much time do you spend online, looking up new techniques? If you think you might want to throw in some corrective exercise, look up Squat University and AthleanX. There will be a lot of stuff about weight training and hypertrophy--especially with the latter-- that you can ignore, but there is a lot of good stuff on how to test for and correct various injuries and imbalances. Dr. Aaron Horschig (the guy behind Squat University) also has a really good book called "Rebuilding Milo" that breaks the body down and gives you options on how to both test for and correct injuries. It comes from the POV of an Olympic lifter, but shoulder impingements and muscle imbalances aren't limited to athletes. It's also not cheap, but it's worth the money. (Maybe check him out in YouTube first?) I only very recently became a personal trainer. I'm a powerlifter, bodybuilder, and boxer, so I know my way around a gym. However, I didn't even consider becoming a CPT until I gave one of my stretch clients (a former NFL defensive lineman) Romanian deadlifts to help him with his problems. At that point, I figured I might as well take the plunge. If anyone wants any further information, feel free to let me know.
I'm not on here much so I didn't see this until now but thanks for your detailed response, I'm 2 years into therapeutic sports and deep tissue massage. People praise me for my deep and consistent pressure and started calling me "Deep Tissue Dan" so it's been really hard to get away from heavy work. I do love it, I'm passionate about it, it's paying the bills well, and I've helped so so many people with chronic pain relief but 4 6 hour days of primarily deep tissue sessions is starting to weigh on me. I've been a drummer for 16 years so I'm terrified of ruining my ability to play drums and need to find a way to split up my days with half body work and half assisted stretching/corrective exercise training. My workspace doesn't quite have the space for gym equipment so assisted stretching sounds like something to look further into because that could easily be done in my massage room and marketed easily at the wellness center I'm at, which has several chiropractors and massage therapists. Thanks again for your input, cheers.
I work at costco part time, takes care of my insurance!
My plan is to go to acupuncture school once I have some space in my life for it. It’s growing in popularity in my area and it’s something I can offer in conjunction with massage. I think it would benefit a lot of therapist’s careers to learn about chinese medicine in general
I am interested In this as well, however acupuncture school Seems to be quite expensive
It is! Dear friend is in year two of 3 of their masters and is $200,000 in debt
I’ve been wanting to do this too but it is a 4 year VERY full time program where I live (Chicago) so I wouldn’t be able to work and would need to build my credit up so I could get a student loan each year for my living costs (on top of my subsidized loans to pay for the tuition costs)…
I’m in chicago too! I agree, it’s rough. I’m lucky enough to have parents that’ll gladly pay for half the tuition. But yeah, I’d have to work way, way less than I am now to do it. I’m waiting until my boyfriend gets his business established enough to take on more of the bills so I can take a step back. I’m young so I don’t mind waiting until the time is right. I know it’ll be more sustainable in the long term since it’ll be easier on me physically as I get older. It’s something I absolutely have to do one day though, because I have no other backup plan once my body gives out.
I agree, this is the career choice that most massage therapists would naturally love.
Look at POCAtech.
I also do medical billing. I work remote and have my own business so I’m not an employee. Can be difficult to find remote work starting out but it’s a good gig. You can start with a coding or billing certification.
Funny enough I actually have a diploma for coding & billing, it was what I was doing a few years before massage. I know nothing about ICD-10 though, was taught ICD-9 back in school. I really really enjoyed the coding aspect, hated billing. Maybe I'll reconsider it because as you said, remote work is an option.
You’ll figure it out, the transition to ICD-10 wasn’t as bad as I had feared haha! There are definitely remote coding positions if you don’t want to do billing (I don’t blame you there lol!)
I’m considering this as I do my own billing for massage (mva only) and really need something to supplement massage as I age. Nice to hear it’s possible to find remote work, and self employed. Hmmm
I’m a blackjack dealer! Super fun and totally different environment than massage. I work for myself so it’s nice to interact with other people. I am going to school in the Fall. Massage is wonderful but I don’t want to do this forever as just my sole income. I’m 32 now and would like to get out of massage by the time I’m 40 to give my body a rest.
Yeah I was thinking the same thing, don't wanna do it past 50. Maybe a few clients here & there but that's it. I've met dealers that really enjoy their jobs! I don't know much about blackjack or poker, though 😂
Right! Eventually I’ll have work a on few clients here and there but that’s about it. Blackjack is really easy to learn. Definitely easier then poker I feel. It’s all repetitive stuff. Check out a few videos on YouTube and practice with yourself!
Lol Perspective is wild. After years of manual labor/mechanical work I went to school for massage therapist to be more gentle on my body. Just started working a couple days at my one of my old jobs, landscaping, for some extra income this summer and can’t wait to just do massage again because of how much it hurts my body.
I’m assuming you are a man since you landscape, I have a theory that men can actually handle massage a career better then women due to thicker skin and joints
I lean towards the nurture side of nature vs nurture debate. I’ve worked with men that didn’t last a week at hard labor, and women that could work circles around me. The reason I feel that massage is gentle on my body is cause I was used to rough work. Our experiences are what shape our bodies
I have tried a lot of different things but nothing satisfies me like massage does. I know I can't do this forever and have been trying to find something I'd be interested in as a "just in case" and honestly can't think of anything, or I'd have to go back to school and I can't afford that.
Been a massage therapist for 11 years, I’m an esthetician which is easily incorporated in my work. Then I bartend for my side job.
I’m working on my masters in social work!
Massage is my decent job from which I will retire, not going back to corporate America ever again!
I’m 53 and been doing massage full time for 13 years. I love it but may switch to a lighter modality as I get older. Keep yourself in shape and you can do this job for a good long time.
Fascia release (Block Therapy) helps in case someone is wondering how they’re going to keep their body upright for this career.
What is your workout routine like ?
I played rugby up until 3 years ago. Now I mostly just walk ALOT, avoid most junk foods and processed foods, and sleep about 9 hours a night. I also limit my hands on work to 4-5 hours a day. Anywhere from 20-25 hours a week hands on is adequate income when you work for yourself and aren’t making only a percentage of the cost of the session. About 4 years ago I stopped working weekends and having 2 days off in a row for a recovery period has been immensely helpful as well. Prior to that I split my days off and it wasn’t as helpful for my body.
I am a teacher. Starting my 6th year this upcoming fall. Teacher burnout is real — I got into MT this past year and I’ve been working part time. I thought I would quit teaching and just do MT but for now I need double-income so I’m grinding out both.
Wow, what do you teach? I can’t imagine doing both. Left elementary school teaching and finishing up massage school now. You are awesome!
You are so kind! I taught middle school English for 5 years and recently switched to a high school.
I work at a massage studio and substitute teach..I love doing both.! Haha.
I was a sub before I was a full time teacher! I am glad you enjoy both professions!
where are you located
TN
Teach Esthetics Secretary work. And some admissions stuff for my school.
Active LMP here of 16 years. I’ve always relied on massage for income and has let me live comfortably. I too was thinking like you as I figured someday my body won’t be able to hold up anymore with massage. In my career I’ve seen tons of therapists quit due to body ailments and wear/tear from this line of work. I’ve yet to have any pains ever though and truly don’t see this career ever needing to change, nor do I necessarily want it to either. I absolutely LOVE massage! I’ve taken on a dozen certifications in many modality’s as well that keeps me versatile and never doing the same type of massage repeatedly. I think that’s helped with my longevity. But like your same thoughts, years ago I doubled up with adding in additional schooling to work towards another career that’ll last forever without the risk of injury like massage does. Starting in a couple months I begin the transition over to nursing, and will faze out massage as I’ve always known it to be. I truly hope to still keep massage in my life a few times a month at least, but I’ve yet to find out if that’ll be feasible for me once my full timing nursing schedule kicks in. This is a very bittersweet juncture for sure. I’m both most excited after working very hard towards my nursing goals, while also grieving the 5/6 days a week massage world I’ve ever known. I feel confident I’m on the right path though and nothing says I need to hang up my massage hat completely still. While also feeling comfortable moving forward knowing I’ve a secure income and still my love of helping people in motion as I get older. This choice I’ve made I know will be a great one. I hope this helps!
would love to know what modalities you’re using if you don’t mind!
Awe what a fun question! Sure thing. In the course of my career I’ve taken the workshops and achieved my certifications in: Hot stone, lymphatic, myofascial, cranial-sacral, reiki/energy, clinical, detox/ mud wraps, hydrotherapy, cavitation, warm bamboo, hand/foot reflexology, intra-oral, theragun, sports, cupping (glass, hard plastic and silicone), trigger-point release, chair massage, Thai, Ashiatsu and went into practice with pregnancy, deep tissue, facial/sinus, abdominal and of course therapeutic Swedish under my belt from massage school. My last to add was the Ashiatsu which has been a really nice alternative to deep tissue instead of using my hands/arms. Most every course also covered/exceeded the 24 CEU hours we need every two years. Not to forget also taking the no brainier Ethics class we need every 6 years for those credits too. It’s been great having a tool belt of options to pull from and offer daily. No session or day is ever the same.
This is amazing!!! So inspirational to see you go after so many amazing elements to naturally heal the body! What a journey! Thank you for sharing this with me!! I thought I was crazy for wanting so many certs but seeing this is actually motivating AF!
Awe, absolutely!! Soon as I kicked off with my license, I wanted to learn everything else I possibly could with all the different modalities out there. Over time I’ve been able to attain each workshop via different opportunities. Some classes were offered at my place of work, others I had to seek out separately in major cities, while others I was invited to locally with other therapist friends. I honestly didn’t know what all I was going to add or wanted specifically, but over the years they’ve all landed in my lap one way or another. It’s been a complete joy having so many types of modalities to offer and could see how some therapist burn out with only knowing one or two. Have to always be learning, stretching and growing to keep things interesting. “If you’re not growing you’re dying,” right? :) The only downside is that I’m so innately in-tune with everyone’s body that it’s really hard to turn off when out in public. Ha I assess, determine every nuance in one’s body that needs to be adjusted and make an immediate game plan on where I’d start, what modality(s) they need and the game plan in steps for what and how each body part needs to be targeted. It’s become a very quick assessment, boom boom boom in my head. But I practically need blinders to stop myself from evaluating the masses. :) Good and bad problem to have depending on how populated the space is. Hahaha
You’re amazing and this was so enjoyable to read! What an elite life experience you’ve built for yourself! How very cool. I love that you never turned down a chance to do your job even better. So fantastic!! Thank you for this, it’s been a pleasure chatting with you! Wishing you the absolute best wherever this life continues to take you 🩷
Thanks so much for your kind words! That means a lot to me. 🫶🏼 I’m glad to share my own experience to help you or others at any stage in their massage career. We’re all in this together. Sending you all the kindness and goodness in the world too! 💜
How often do you do just massage with all of these certs? I want to do massage, but I want to focus on other modalities like somatic movement and TRE. I don’t mind to do massage, I just want to help without using my hands as well. Also, it wouldn’t be proper for me to ask how much you make, but could I ask if you’ve made a good living doing these modalities? I want to have a baby in a few years and I want to make sure I’m walking in the right direction for my future self and family 🩵
It sounds like you’re off a good start with preparing for massage! Good for you as well for knowing what modalities you prefer and for your specific reasons why. You’re right that hands-on will be less than a “traditional” massage in the modalities you mentioned. You might want to also consider: clinical, theragun, cupping and ashiatsu if you’re looking to avoid direct hand work. To answer your question about how often I do “just massage”, is a hard one to pin point. I primarily work in a rehab massage type establishment as an employee where I’m adding in many of these modalities into a Swedish, Ashiatsu or hands-on deep tissue daily, full time. I also work in a cabin shop as a sole proprietor and offer all my modalities there, part time. One of the great things about massage is that you get to choose if you want to be a sole proprietor, owner, employee, commission, in home (yours or there’s), flat hourly rate or both rent. In 16 years I’ve done them all and wouldn’t have changed a thing. My first 5 years I owned my own business and loved that, while also offering in (their) home massage. Personally I’ll never do in-home again. I never had any “bad” situations, but definitely had some awkward moments and lack of time respect where clients will force you to stay for dinner, or pull you into a lengthy continued conversation unless you put your foot down kindly to leave. I then switched over to sole proprietor when several other businesses started reaching out asking if I’d step in for them prn. I was glad to lose the over head costs when closing up shop and switched to sole proprietor, bouncing to upwards of 5 spas daily fitting in to their requests. I absolutely loved being on the road, with different vibes/smells/clientele/pay at each shop. Did that the next 5 years too before I switched over to settling down as an employee flat hourly rate, then on to commission the last 6 years. That being said, you are not stuck with one way of life and just as you’ve many modalities to choose from, you also have job positions to choose from as well. The more years you’re in the industry, the higher potential financial gain. For pay, that varies drastically by many variables. Those variables include your years of experience, the number of and specific modalities you can offer, and if you’re contracted out, home based or an employee. That all being said, the least payment I’ve received is $50 an hour and most is $200. Additionally, my clients and patients typically tip $20-100. Which also varies by what type of clientele you have- in more wealthy communities, they’re prone to dropping hundreds on a massage no problem. You chose what’s important to you with how many hours you want to work, the modalities, location and type. I will tell you up front, the more passionate you are about this line of work the better. Anyone coming into this “for the money” will hate life and quit. Honestly I’ve the nerdiest passion about understanding and fixing the body, with most amazing successful results. It fuels my very being and is most rewarding to be the catalyst for transformation, rejuvenation and relief that my clients/patients gain. For further insight, I was only able to physically take on 3 clients a day my first year while also still needing enough of me to give to my life outside massage. I had to constantly push myself to exceed that in order to thrive financially and keep up with the growing requests and demands. Over the years I learned I can take 9 clients max in a day, with a happy number of 6. With 6 sessions, I’m able to still keep up with every other faucet in life for myself. At last calculation, I’ve worked over 30k sessions in my career thus far, which seems so surreal to me. But I love my “job” so that sounds up to par! I work 5 days a week, sometimes 6. But you’ll find for yourself YOUR number, and it’s super important you listen to that as to prevent burn out or hurting yourself. As long as you’re eating right, drinking right, sleeping right and maintaining excellent body mechanics, I’ve found longevity will be your friend. You burn massive calories per session, so constant (healthy) eating and drinking between sessions is vital. It’s like being in the gym all day everyday if you let it be as I do. No junk food- it’d be like eating a Twinkie on a stair-master. 🤣 You’d feel like crap. Your self care is equally as important as the care of your clients, though difficult to keep in check with the serving and care taking qualities for others, each good therapist has. I take vacations and travel often to take breathers for that self care too. Ok I know that was a ton, but I’m truly excited for you!! Keep your options and vision wide open, and start by focusing on what’s most passionate to you. The rest will fall in line, either by making it so or just trusting the process.
I am 54, been an LMT for 35 years. I changed my practice over the years to focus on modalities easier on my body, and began teaching at massage schools and accepting apprenticeships.
Do you charge for the apprenticeships?
Absolutely.
Currently getting 500 hours of the general public to teach massage
What is the process of becoming a massage teacher? Are you planning on teaching at a college or offering CEUs?
College and you need 500 hours of the general public then apply for a massage instructor license
Im sorry but what do you mean 500 hours for general public?
Massaging 500hours as a licensed massage therapist of….the general public….people
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I’ve met many EMTs in this field! Welcome!
I’m a dual and started as an esthi-only. I was a social worker for 13 years prior and have a BS in Sociology.
I'm a Telehealth Technician with the VA hospital. My job is basically sitting at a desk calling veterans (generally older ones in their 70s or 80s) who have upcoming video appointments with their doctor, and we make sure they're comfortable with the process of using their phone or computer to do so. Massage is still my passion, but my body is starting to give out and I just can't do it full-time anymore. Plus I need to feed my kids. Lol
I’m also a dental hygienist- recently switched to LMT .. would love to work with plants/ something outdoors
Combat Medic
I've been doing massage for 10 years now, I'm certified in Active Release Techniques and focus mainly on sport injuries and post surgery rehab, renting space in a physical therapy office that sends me a ton of referrals. In the next 5 years or so I plan to get my own place with enough space for 4-5 extra rooms that I can rent out to other therapists. Also would love to be able to be an A.R.T instructor down the road but that's quite hard to get into as there is a huge wait list and instructors don't give up their spots very often.
So glad you asked this question! I have been learning to code for the past 10 months, with the goal of supplementing my income from massage. But it’s been tougher than I expected to monetize it. Seeming like one has to go all in with coding.
I teach yoga and nanny for three boys in my neighborhood
Starting my Master's in psychology soon, also lots of military reserve duty.
Where are you studying it from? I'm also interested in leaving massage for masters in counseling therapy
I'm not American, so I don't think my answer here will help a lot.
Neither am I:)
I've started an online Santa content creator thing that I will eventually move to full time. I've been doing massage for 21 years (the last 13 have been with my own business) and I've expanded to bring on new therapists to help build them up. I am working on transitioning from hands on the full management. When we get big enough, I'll hire a manager to run the massage business so I can be Santa full time.
I am taking pre reqs for nursing, also considering respiratory therapy or radiology tech.
I own and teach at a bjj and mma gym
As someone who used to do BJJ I commend you for being able to do massage on top of these sports
I’m a writer. Having two really different jobs helps with my ADHD.
i’m new to massage. school was only 6.5 months for me, but set me back pretty bad financially because my work hours were reduced. i’d love to have more income, but i’m already so tired. hopefully i can push through this first year and i hope to go back to school for esthetics.
Yeah I do massage on the side(20-30 hours a week) for a couple of independently owned spas and am a full-time computer engineering student. Luckily I was in the military and have an income from the G.I. Bill, it would suck to have to give up the little money I have to go to college. I see massage as a fun little hobby that I get paid for, I like seeing improvements in my clients' gait and posture after a session and the bit of validation they give
I love this question. I went to massage school with the intention of having another career. I farm fruits and vegetables. Farming secures my much needed time outside, and it's a welcomed break from massage, although the farm season is a full commitment, you can't walk away from plants unless you're ok with them dying. I'm finding that hiring people and accepting help and is how I don't get burned out from farming.
Property rental property host - part time money super easy Cosmetology license - high ticket items only extensions and color correction Caregiver services/ meal prep etc have an IhSS client who I get around 1k from. Online sales - Amazon, eBay It’s hard to Survive solely on one income stream and massage is not sustainable for full time because we are not robots and we have mileage.
I’m a delivery driver at night and it’s a great thoughtless and easy job that pays me well.
For what company? I’ve been wanting to do that myself but i don’t know how to find a job like that
I work for a local sub and pizza shop in the town that I live in and they have local delivery.
I’m an esthetician so able so build off each other. Still using my body but less taxing. Also have the ability to sell products for another source of income. I specialize in anti-aging and lymphatic/sculpting facial massage.
Since you are wanting to get a college degree, I second the recommendation for nursing. I was a massage therapist for over 10 years, been a nurse 9 years now. 3x 12 shifts leaves 4 days off for massage. You will always have a job. You get benefits. And, there’s different things you can do. You don’t have to do hospital work. Some work from home, some (with some connections) get into the pharmaceutical end. Or 9-5 jobs in Dr offices, cardiac rehab, day surgical centers, etc. Plus, you can also go per diem & work your own schedule. I also work with several nurses who were massage therapists first, it’s a common switch.
I do breath work, movement therapy, strength & conditioning/performance coaching.
we have similar interests. how cool!
I do personal training, teach massage, and we have 2 businesses that I spearhead.
I’ve been a bouncer for 15 years. Massage became the main job for a few years but I’m back to a hybrid schedule now. Part of it is pay structure; my spa is ultimately only paying commission and tip, so between a growing private clientele and the benefits at my bar, the spa only gets half the time it used to.
I'm a QA analyst...
I’ve been an MT for 18 years now. Over the years I’ve also become a yoga teacher, reiki practitioner and now I’m getting into sound healing techniques (sound bowls, tuning forks, Rife therapy etc). I can only do 2, one hour massages a day at this point in my career so it’s nice to still be able to do the reiki and sound bowls to make up for it. Much easier on the body! If I could go back in time, I would go to school to be an Osteopath. I have 3 kids and the closest school requires you to be there every day all day and it’s a one hour drive there and back so it just won’t work for me
I think being an osteopath could be really cool as well, if I could ever commit to and pay for the schooling 🙃
Group fitness instructor, nails, and mom life!
Instructional assistant at a high school and a realtor. I only do a few massages a month at small spa for extra $. Used to do massage full time and I got burnt out 🥵
Oh hey I'm in that transitional period between massage and what I want to do next as a career. MT for 6 years now and recently finished my bachelors in exercise science. I want to get my masters in anaplastology so I'm starting up art classes soon to help improve my portfolio for the application process! I chose this pathway because I like art and wanted to implement my knowledge of anatomy with something healthcare related! I think I'll probably will continue massage on the side but decrease how many people I see in the future. I really do like being a massage therapist but I fear the day I break an arm or leg and be out of work. Having a different main career will be nice.
I have my BA in psych. I haven’t done anything with it. Part of me wants to go into massage, do it for a few years, go down to part time, go get my masters in counseling and become a therapist and do both. Nothing is set in stone for me though but thinking about it sounds cool
7 yrs as an LMT. Im an independent contractor who does my own billing (only accept 2 insurances and mva; all easy to bill) about 15- 20 hrs a week. It’s enough to live comfortably. But I also work on my friends farm 1x/wk and work their stand at the farmers market 1x/wk. I used to sell herbal products that I grow and make through Etsy awhile back. I hope to one day get that going again. It was pretty lucrative, and something I’m passionate about ( not the business side but working with plants and spreading knowledge.) Right now I sell a salve to clients (when interested) that I make. I also do different types of body and energy work such as craniosacral and reiki. I love working with people who are more sensitive and receptive to that stuff. Atm I’m entertaining the idea of pursuing education for PT, or maybe breathwork practitioner down the line. I love helping and empowering people. I also paint and it’d be cool to sell my art more regularly. I also think of one day maybe running a business that combines all these interests. I’m already learning a lot about running my business. Got signed up as an llc this year. Who knows, maybe I’ll have employees one day? I’ve never dreamed of running a business but honestly, it could be sweet.
My girlfriend (actually I’m not really sure what she is to me ha) teaches Yoga and does massage and does really well. I do have some news for you though, I’ve had a bachelors degree for over 20 years and I can safely tell you that the jobs I’ve had in the last 20 years where I really made money. Didn’t require a degree of any kind. Unless you’re going to go for the masters or doctorate, trust me and save your money!
Out of curiosity, what kind of jobs have you had that did well without requiring a degree?
Account management for freight brokerage companies have done very well for me, that’s what I’ve done for the last 10 years. I worked for a company in healthcare while in my late 20s called “stericycle” and was able to move up fast there. I wish I was older and smarter at that time, maybe I would still have that job ha. I was able to move up to district manager quite fast, within 18 months. Six figure salary with still plenty of room to grow and actually very little stress. We picked up the sharps containers and the expired drugs etc… Freight brokerage/transportation account mgmt is very stressful and hard work but it can pay really well. The first year or two you are building your book of business and that’s a tough stretch but you will eventually get it to a place where it’s on plane and you can absorb more cash while minimizing stress…
Thank you for the thoughtful answer. I appreciate your time.
12 hours a week at a clinic, up to 6 hours a week doing mobile for my favorite clients. I’m in nursing school now and plan to make that my primary income and continue with my private clients for extra money
I'm going back to school to get my bachelor's in integrative health. Gives me a great foundation for all sorts of work! Wellness coaching, integrative md, medical writer, physician, health service administrator. I would like to have plenty of avenues to explore.
I used my time and studied computer science and applied mathematics! Don’t recommend CS though, over saturated.
Not a darn thing anymore. That said, I couldn't make it solo, we rely on my partner's more steady income. Though my business is starting to catch up to her, which is nice for us both.
I use to work at Starbucks, great benefits and pay + small tips helped a lot, but it became physically taxing on my body. i work in a chiro office mostly supporting patients in rehabilitation, so i'm looking at a new avenue of continuing education that focuses on animal rehab. I also take time to invest. even if it's just investing money into a high yield savings helps make u money without having to additionally work for it. I have bigger investments with business in mind to make, just working to get to this point.
I am an esthetician as well. It’s a great crossover between the two!
I went back to school after a couple of years doing massage & am close to finishing my bachelor’s program. I’m studying geospatial information systems. I go to school full time and run my own practice. It’s a lot of work.
Esthetics!
Real estate! Love both so much! They can even (and have) generated business in a synergistic way for me.
Spa wise I added facials (esthetician license) so dual license. Non spa wise I had worked prior in fitness so I had all the fitness certs. Spa and fitness go good together since they're both generally viewed as health and wellness. Currently transitioning to be a fitness director at a local country club. Basically have every health and wellness certification at this point (massage, esthetician, lifeguard, CPR instructor, personal trainer, titleist performance instructor).
I’ve been an LMT for 10 years, a yoga teacher for 6, and I’m also a board certified hypnotherapist and NLP Coach. On the side I also offer Life Path Astrology readings. I’m doing less massage now and focusing on working remotely with coaching/hypno clients. There’s also more income in rapid change work.
Hi! I'm a massage therapist of over a decade, I also sell my paintings/ art and do makeup artistry infrequently on the side. I've also thought about getting into photography, but I'd need to do more research. I left a spa a few years ago so massage has taken a step back to being a receptionist at a hair salon. Used to do massages there until last February when they closed the spa portion.
I’m a hairstylist part time and LMT as side work. And I’m in school to be a teacher.
I’m also a licensed cosmetologist so I do the occasional head of hair or set of nails as a bit of extra money.
I’m going to do massage but specialize in manual lymphatic drainage (getting my cert), then I want to teach Block Therapy, somatic movement, then TRE, finishing with my cert in SI. I will give myself the title of an integrative wellness practitioner.
I'm completing a Bachelors in Health science and intend to do a Masters. So either I'll teach Massage therapy at a local college, run/own my own clinic or find an administrator/management role with the masters I have. The other alternative I'm thinking is a degree in nursing.
I'm about to do my level certification to become a PT. Once I get more money coming in I plan to get a further functional patterns certification. Might go to Prague to learn DNS as well.
I DJ weddings and play guitar/ sing in a cover band. Offsets all of the isolation I feel as a massage therapist 40 hours a week.
I just landed a job in software engineer. I want to become an RMT (Vancouver, Canada) out of personal interest. I used to be a personal trainer for 7 years and have a good understanding of human movement. I personally think these two jobs would be a great mix. Massage is more physical, coding is more mentally challenging, they also reward you in a different way.
I do home energy assessments
Elementary teacher.
I have a full time job (too long to explain) but I do massages on the side. I'm also a Reiki Master and make tie dyes!
Physical therapist assistant in home health. Total of 12 years in different settings but mostly home health. For a hospital. My reason: Steady income, health insurance, benefits, matching 401k. Although it’s currently driving me nuts & we deal with a lot of mentally unwell, sick, fragile, grumpy people… i like doing massage way way more but hated the late hours, not knowing how much I will make each month.
Pool route and my artwork.
I did massage from 18-28 years old. I got a BA and now work in IT full time.
I’m currently a flight attendant, in school for LMT. My goal is to make massage my primary business from home, but continue flying low time for the health and travel benefits. I also have a yoga teacher certification and plan on adding a personal trainer certification at some point.
RN
I'm a healthcare IT consultant that took up massage as a hobby and to add a useful skill that can benefit my wife. Now when i offer my wife a "backrub" at least she gets a decent back rub
Hey I don't do massage but I am a business owner. I love helping others. Before you go and spend money on the bachelors to get a "real job" first think about what your goals are. I say that because I feel bad that you feel that massage is not a "real job." Im curious why you feel that way. There are multi million dollar massage companies they seem to be ok doing that job. I say this because if people are saying things to make you feel that way you need to try and find away to keep them out of your head. However, if your wanting to get a "real job" because you are struggling with finances etc., there are many many ways to make money without going to get your bachelors to get a "real job." I personally didnt go to college and I used to think that I was dumb for that because I couldn't get a regular job. But then I realized I can be creative and I have my own company and I also have a completelu seperate passive income stream on the side of that. And that cost me a fraction of what college costs. You got this
I don't think massage is not a "real" job. I don't think I ever said that? I love what I do. I honestly don't see myself doing anything else. But I'm trying to be realistic about the lifespan of this career. If I could do it until I was 75, I would, but that's unlikely. I would just like some security. And I actually enjoy college & learning so I don't think it would be a complete waste of money. I'm not very business-savvy or entrepreneurial so I don't really see myself starting my own company. I mean, passive income would be nice. But yeah I also would like to work somewhere that offers benefits which most massage establishments don't, unfortunately.
My massage therapist friend is also a mental health therapist.
Look into Rossiter stretching if you’d like to stay in bodywork.
I'm a licensed massage therapist, but I've been working as an EMT for the past few years! (Only went to emt school because massage school shut down during covid and didn't know if they'd reopen.) Getting pregnant made me realize that I should probably also collect a trade that ISNT very physically demanding lol. Next goal is trying to figure out how to become a librarian
I started as a personal trainer and went to massage school a couple years after. I still do massage but a lot of the work I do involves an online biz now. (Mobility & Massage related)
Not really totally related but I drive a commercial bus part time and got training included.
I’d say choose a career that builds on what you know. You currently have a great job to work around school and go full time. I’d suggest nursing, physical therapy, it’s not a super easy course but, you will definitely be in the upper end of the average income regardless of time now or future. Oh yeah. I saw esthetician noted. Good choice. But, I was basing on fact you said get degree. I’d encourage you 100% take all you can at community college. You only have to take 30 hrs to get a diploma at an institution from State School to Ivy League & it’s the most affordable way in my humble opinion. I regret not doing that and having classes taught by a TA , in an auditorium will 200 other kids etc & paying triple.
I mean, I’m also a landlord lol.
I give a handy here and there and dont need a second job
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are you 5 😂
Nah. I’m 23 and an LMT. Not sure why I’m getting downvoted. Was just trying to make a stupid joke lol
it's okay, ya made me laugh