Studying is a surefire way to turn certain pathways into future opportunities. It’s the door that opens more doors.

By studying massage, you gain access to a diverse field of professional opportunities and you arm yourself with the skills and techniques needed to make a living, make a difference to people’s lives, and make a difference in your own life too. Massage therapy offers some of the most diverse employment opportunities in the medical and wellness fields, and once certification is acquired, the skills you develop on the job as a therapist are highly transferable.

If you’ve ever wondered about the career opportunities that come from knowing how to manipulate the body’s muscles and soft tissue through massage, you’ll be pleased to know that your options are many. You can take a traditional career path or seek out something left of field, opening you up to follow your passions and build the career of your dreams.

9 career opportunities for a massage therapist

Mobile massage

Becoming a mobile massage therapist is a fantastic way to hone your craft when you’re just starting out. It’s also a great way to take advantage of flexible hours, professional autonomy and the reduced stress that can come from not paying rent or managing an office.

Home massage

Similar to a mobile massage therapist, performing massage for clients within your own home is another great way to start your career in massage. It can help you to create the work-life balance you’ve been looking for and it allows you to target your type of client based on your business structure, qualifications and personal preferences.

Day spas

Massage therapists often land in spa environments and the good working conditions make it easy to see why. Massage therapists in spa environments often work with other massage therapists and estheticians and they can form close bonds with their co-workers while benefiting from mentor opportunities.

They also get paid by the service, meaning that gaps in bookings are less financially stressful.

Medical settings

From chiropractic offices to assisted living facilities and hospitals, there are lots of medical settings you can tap into as a massage therapist. You’ll be working with a provider so taking direction is key, but the setting can be hugely rewarding knowing that you’re helping clients through serious injury, chronic pain, illness or trauma.

Sport settings

Sports massage is a great option for massage therapists who are fuelled on their knowledge of all things anatomy. Like medical massage, you can hone your ability to heal and you can help your clients to gain the physical strength and the rest required to perform at their peak athletically. It’s a great path for massage therapists wanting to work towards client goals but it does require a firm hand and an acceptance of some sweat.

Corporate settings

Many corporations are starting to understand that a massage at work is the ultimate way to relax, reward and revive a team. Massage creates moments of bliss in an otherwise busy day and this results in happier, more engaged and loyal employees. For corporate massage therapists, it requires an understanding of the need take away tension while recognising the need to return to work once the massage is done.

Tourism settings

If you’re an experienced and versatile massage therapist you’ll do well in the tourism industry. From hotels and resorts to luxury cruises and airports, there are lots of ways to make your mark in the tourism setting. Some opportunities may even help you to see the world as you go.

Business owner

Compared to other businesses, the overhead costs of setting up a new massage business can be relatively low. This puts you in a unique position to branch out on your own. Once you’re built up your client book you can start to take on other massage therapists and eventually, should you choose to, you can step back to work more on the business component - client acquisition, marketing, inventory and paperwork.

Education

To become a massage therapist instructor you must have extensive experience practicing as a massage therapist, as well as a range of qualifications. You’ll also need to be a confident public speaker. As a massage therapy instructor you’ll be responsible for teaching new generations of massage therapists, developing curriculum, giving lectures, monitoring activities and administering tests.

Becoming a qualified massage therapist

If you’re determined to build a career in massage therapy - no matter which pathway you take - you’ll need a relevant certificate or diploma. Once you’ve obtained the right qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for membership in a professional association, which can help to fast track your career.

When studying massage, you have the option to learn a wide array of therapies that can lead you down different pathways. Whether you want to be the go-to person of elite athletes, the healer of tired office workers, or the hero for parents whose baby was born prematurely, it pays to do your research into the different types of massage. Find the right course for you and get started today.