What can you expect to make as a successful practitioner?

If you are considering entering this profession as a new career you are probably wondering what you can reasonably expect to make as a practitioner. Compensation varies widely depending on a number of factors including where you work, whether you are full-time or part-time, your skill level as a therapist and your ability to market yourself.

It is important to determine the number of hours a week you choose to work. For most therapists, 20 hours a week of doing sessions is the maximum. This is to both preserve the body and give them time to do paperwork, market themselves and do other things to keep the practice thriving. There are many people who prefer to work part-time around other commitments in their lives. It is important to keep these factors in mind when projecting what you may be able to make as a practitioner.

Practitioners may work for a spa, health club, chiropractor, medical spa, work at places of business or malls with a chair massage practice or be in private practice.  As a full-time employee at a spa or other situation where you may be paid for more hours than you actually perform sessions, the lower end of the wage scale may start at minimum wage with little or no benefits. For an experienced therapist working on commission the rate can be up to 50% plus tips.  High-end spas will often charge over $80 an hour for services so with the right situation the compensation can be significant.

There are also many practitioners who prefer to have a private practice to give them more flexibility with their schedule and being able to retain a higher percentage of their fees. For graduates who prefer to have a private practice it is important to recognize that the length of time it takes to build a successful practice varies depending on prior experience at marketing yourself and connections you may already have in the community. Some people are able to have a successful practice within a couple of months of graduating while others may require 2 to 3 years to build a successful practice.

For those who are interested in running a larger business the opportunity to open a spa or massage clinic offers far greater rewards than an individual practice. It also typically entails much more work and responsibility. However, if you are an entrepreneur, it is a wonderful field to apply your talents as the cost of entry is lower than most comparable industries and the rewards of working in this environment can be very good.

For further information it is recommended that you contact the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals ABMP by going to their web site at www.abmp.com and follow the links to the career information. Also, the book, “Massage, A Career at Your Fingertips” is an excellent source of information. You may also want to check with a variety of spas and therapists in your area for more information on what can be expected in your location. When talking to local practitioners it is recommended that you get the broadest sampling possible as there will be a wide range of responses based on different practitioner’s abilities, training and commitment to success.

If you determine that this is an appropriate field for you at this time, we would love to talk with you further about how we can help you to become a successful therapist.