October 24, 2024

Massage Therapist Career Outlook

Is a career as a massage therapist your calling? Should you enroll in a massage therapy course at a massage therapy school in Iowa? According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for massage therapists is set to soar—projected to grow by 32% by 2030! This increase means more opportunities, job stability, and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives through healing touch. Dive into the details to see why now is the perfect time to start your journey in massage therapy.

Are Massage Therapists in Demand?

Massage therapy has become the go-to form of healing, making it an indispensable part of modern-day health and wellness healing practices resulting in a high demand for professional massage therapists. The FMI Market report values the massage therapy industry in the US at $54 billion. The industry is thriving as more and more people invest in self-care.

Massage therapy is a form of natural healing that provides a multitude of benefits, ranging from relieving pain due to muscle tension to improving blood circulation to improved flexibility and improved quality of sleep.

Benefits of Choosing Massage Therapy as a Career

Does a career in health and wellness resonate with you? If your answer is a resounding yes, then massage therapy should rank high on your list of career options. If your character traits include a willingness to help others improve their quality of life or help them towards healthier living, then a qualification in massage therapy is ideal.

In addition to the high demand for skilled massage therapists and the rewards of contributing to health and wellness, here are just a few other equally important reasons why massage therapy has become a top career choice:

Plenty of growth opportunities.
Flexible work hours.
Potential of earning a good income.

Required Skills for Massage Therapists

There are some essential skills a massage therapist requires to succeed in the profession. These competencies and abilities focus on assisting clients with relief from pain and discomfort in the physical body.

For safe and effective massage treatment, a massage therapist is required to have the following skills:

Communication

The nature of massage therapy requires close interaction with the client which makes communication between massage therapist and client critical. Communication is necessary because it helps the massage therapist understand the client’s needs and expectations of treatment. With this insight, a massage therapist can tailor the right treatment plan to target the client’s needs.

Interpersonal skills

Creating meaningful relations with clients and co-workers is an important factor in anyone wishing to be a successful massage therapist. Patience, active listening, and empathy are just a few of the traits that fall under the interpersonal skills umbrella.

Organization

Keeping on top of scheduling sessions and appointments means that a massage therapist is required to have exceptional organizational skills.

In addition to personality traits, a massage therapist also needs to have must-have professional capabilities. These include:

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology

The nature of massage therapy involves working with the muscular structures in the body so an in-depth knowledge of how these structures work is an absolute requirement.

Stamina

A typical massage treatment session is about 45 to 60 minutes long. To carry out treatment, the massage therapist will work vigorously with their hands, applying pressure over the muscles on the client’s body. To provide treatment effectively, a massage therapist will need the stamina to cope with multiple treatment sessions in a day.

Ongoing professional development

Like in many other fields, education, and learning does not stop with your initial qualification. A massage therapist must be committed to learning about new massage techniques and treatment procedures in order to evolve as a professional and provide a positive experience for clients.

Career Opportunities for Massage Therapists in Iowa

Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a change, becoming a massage therapist offers diverse and rewarding options. Here’s a look at various career paths available:

Medical and Rehabilitation Centers: Work alongside physiotherapists, chiropractors, and in rehabilitation centers, where specialized skills in therapeutic and medical massage are often required.
Sports and Fitness Industry: Join sports teams or sports medicine centers to aid athlete recovery and performance.
Corporate Wellness Programs: Bring wellness to the workplace by providing stress-relief treatments on-site.
Spa and Resort Positions: Traditional roles in luxury spas and resorts remain popular for relaxation and therapeutic massage services.
Private Practice: Start your own business and build a clientele with flexibility in treatment styles and scheduling.

Each of these paths may require specific certifications or skills, so consider courses or additional training to expand your opportunities in these growing fields.

What are Some Top-Paying Specialties for Massage Therapists in Iowa?

There are many different types of massage therapy treatments available. Examples of these specialties include:

Swedish massage
Deep Tissue massage
Aromatherapy massage
Shiatsu massage
Sports massage
Chair massage
Hot Stone massage
Thai massage
Medical massage

Massage therapists working in specialty areas tend to attract higher financial rewards. This is because specializing in particular areas of massage therapy generally require more experience, advanced knowledge and training, and a higher level of ability. All of these work together to lay the foundations of top-end services. For example, massage therapists specializing in specialties like Sports massage and Swedish massage as well as Deep Tissue massage are generally more in demand and well-experienced massage therapists can command top-paying fees.

Salary Expectations for Massage Therapists in Iowa

When it comes to salary expectations, it must be stated that what a massage therapist makes depends on a few critical factors. Factors like qualifications and certifications, range of skills, years of experience, work environment (resort, cruise ship, spas), and which state and metro area you practice in all contribute to your potential income.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary expectations for massage therapists in Iowa range from $31,980 (lower end) to $63,510 (top end). Of course, for those who run their own massage therapy businesses, the sky is the limit on their earning potential.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Iowa

The path to an exciting career as a massage therapist in Iowa starts with enrolling in a massage therapy program at a Board-recognized school in the state. Here’s what you need to know:

Complete a Massage Therapy Program: In Iowa, you’ll need to complete at least 600 hours of instruction and hands-on training. Reputable schools in Iowa offer courses covering anatomy, physiology, a variety of massage techniques, and essential real-world experience under supervised practice.
Business Skills: Many Iowa-based programs incorporate training in business management, which is essential if you plan to open your own practice someday.
Apply for Your Iowa Massage Therapy License: After meeting the educational requirements, you’ll need to pass the licensure exam and apply for your state license through the Iowa Board of Massage Therapy.

Pursuing training in Iowa not only prepares you for the state’s licensing requirements but also connects you with a network of local instructors, peers, and potential employers across Iowa’s growing wellness and healthcare sectors.

Why Choose LJIC for Your Massage Therapy Course?

Where you choose to study for your massage therapy qualifications is an important consideration. The massage therapy school you choose will dictate the quality of education you receive.

At LJIC, a fully licensed beauty school in Iowa, we understand the passion and commitment it takes to pursue a career in massage therapy. This is why our massage therapy program is specifically designed to focus on the fundamentals of massage therapy as well as the introduction to an extensive range of massage therapy modalities.

We believe that a hands-on learning philosophy is best to ensure our students are thoroughly equipped for a solid start to their future in massage therapy.

We’re committed to making quality education accessible. Financial aid options are available to those who qualify, helping to ease the financial commitment and let you focus on your studies.

FAQs

Is massage therapy a good career?

There are a number of reasons why massage therapy has become a top career choice. The intrinsic rewards of making a positive difference in the lives of others by helping them heal and feel better, the decent income potential, and the favorable projection of the massage therapy industry are all powerful factors that favor this career path.

Is it hard being a massage therapist?

Due to the nature of massage therapy treatment, massage therapists work in a serene and peaceful environment and while this is a plus, there are unique challenges to this profession. One of the most challenging aspects massage therapists face is the job’s physical demands. The physical demands do require a lot of stamina and the need for the therapists to take good care of themselves.

What to pay attention to when you’re choosing your massage therapy school?

A non-negotiable when choosing a massage therapy school is that it must be an accredited institution. This is an assurance that their massage therapy curriculum offers the state Board’s minimum recommended number of hours (a criterion for a massage therapy license), an academically sound massage therapy curriculum and program length.

Turn your passion for health and wellness into an enriching career as a massage therapist. You will find that La’ James International College offers comprehensive massage therapy courses to boost your success as a massage therapist. Get in touch with us today to find out more.