The field of massage has grown tremendously over the past 25 years, beginning with the human potential movement and the recognition of the importance to reduce stress. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that massage therapists are delivering more than 100 million massage sessions annually.

Over the past decade, massage therapy has achieved an unprecedented level of public awareness through extensive coverage in the national media, inclusion in world-class sporting events, acceptance by leading athletes and performing artists, and from growing recognition in the medical community. As massage therapy and other complementary health care professions move rapidly towards inclusion in the more traditional allopathic health care community, therapists can contribute to patient care in medical settings working  in conjunction with other health care professionals such as MDs, PAs, physical/occupational therapists, chiropractors, nurses, and midwives.

• Therapists can expect to earn between $15 and $75 an hour depending on the work setting.
• An increasing number of massage therapists are maintaining independent practices in professional offices, or as an on-site therapist in the work place.
• Therapists can work full- or part-time as employees or sub-contractors; use massage to enhance an existing professional practice or to gain valuable skills for helping family and friends.