Careers in Massage Therapy
The employment outlook for massage therapists is great. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for massage therapists has been projected to experience a growth rate of 20% until the year 2020, which is faster than average for many other occupations.
While the size of a paycheck shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing a career path, it's still important to take finances into consideration. Skilled, experienced massage therapists with thriving practices can earn over $60,000 a year. According to recent salary statistics, top-tier massage therapists reported making an average salary of $69,000 a year.
The career outlook is also strong for new massage therapists. With an average starting salary of over $35,000 a year (with those in hospitals and doctor's office earning slightly more), massage therapy is competitive with many other entry-level career paths.
Student Testimonials
Nichole Waldbauer-Dearinger (December 2015 Graduate)
"I picked massage therapy because I know how much it has helped me with my pain management, and I wanted to help other people in the same way. I have worked in the heath field for about 14 years and I really wanted to keep helping people but in a different way. I love that I can be my own boss, choose my own hours, and at the same time help people every day. This process has change me for the better. In the past I hated going to work, but now I love getting up and going to work. The Massage program has change my life for the better. I feel like I'm a happier person."
Kylie Ann Bieske (December 2015 Graduate)
"I have grown more confident as a person and my skills since starting the massage therapy program at FHSU."
Stephanie Mauk (December 2015 Graduate)
"I decided to go to Fort Hays because of it's closeness to where I live. I was still able to go to school & not have to uproot my family.
I went into massage therapy because I have wanted to become a massage therapist since high school & the timing, location & my financial situation was just right for me to go back to school now. Since being in class, I have learned so many techniques that I will be able to continue to use in future massage therapy sessions.
The instructor has been the greatest. She not only is extremely helpful during class, but if there are any questions she is more than willing to help after class hours. "