Additional Information

In 2005, massage therapy was projected to be a $6 to $11 billion a year industry.

It is estimated that there are 250,000 to 300,000 massage therapists and massage school students in the United States.

In 2002, the U.S. Department of Labor reported job growth for massage therapists was expected to increase at a faster-than-average rate. The department estimated growth of 20%-35% through 2012.

From August 2004 to July 2005 an estimated 47 million American adults received a massage. That is 2 million more than the previous year.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports, massage therapy workers earn a comparable income to other healthcare support workers.

A massage therapist, who provides 15 hours of massage per week, earns an average annual income, with tips, of $29,250. A full-time physical therapist's aide only averages $26,210 a year, and other full-time healthcare support workers average just $26,610. A full-time worker in a physician's office averages $28,140.

Massage therapists practice in many work environments. Sole practitioners and independent contractors are the largest group of practicing massage therapists.