If you are a massage therapist or an aspiring one, this article is for you. In this article, I’ll be sharing top tips to make money as a massage therapist. Massage therapy is a great way to make a living. It’s a real hands-on healing craft.
Massage therapy is a fast-growing profession in the US, with more than 40% of the general population taking advantage of massage at least once in their lifetime. Massage can be used to treat conditions ranging from depression to carpal tunnel syndrome.
There are many ways to make money as a massage therapist. Most of them require you to build relationships with new clients, but some bring in revenue right away. It’s up to you to figure out which model works best for your massage therapy business. Here are the options to consider.
1. Become an Expert on Specialized Field or Treatment
Massage therapists have a wide range of knowledge in a variety of specialized fields, from sports to deep tissue and Shiatsu massage. Including one or two of these services in your repertoire can provide a unique selling point to your business.
For example, some may specialize in treating clients with back pain, injury or illness, while others may specialize in certain types of sports injuries.
Ever thought of becoming a specialized massage therapist specializing in sports massage, pregnancy massage, Thai oil massage, or deep tissue massage? These are all specialist areas that are in high demand.
If you have a particular skill that you particularly enjoy performing, consider being one of the few massage therapists that specialize in that field and make money.
2. Use Referral Discounts To Attract Customers
Let’s face it. Customers don’t have a lot of loyalty in the marketplace today. In fact, if a customer has a choice between two brands that provide the same value to them, they’re likely to choose the one that provides them with more value or that gives them a better deal.
Referrals are one of the best ways for your business to attract new customers and make money as a massage therapist. Whenever you can, give your customers a discount or freebie for referring more business to you. This is very similar to the concept of giving employees bonuses for bringing in new clients.
Everyone loves discounts. When you create promotions with referral offers, your existing customers can tell their friends, family, and colleagues about your services to receive the discount.
SEE: Cashback vs Discount
3. Work With Resorts
There are a lot of resorts in the world. And most of them operate a high volume operation. And resorts need massage therapists. Most resorts have a wellness center where all the guests go to get their treatments administered.
And they employ massage therapists to come in and give treatment. Many resorts also offer training programs for massage therapists to work with them. All you have to do is find a resort in need of one and send your details for an interview.
One great way to make money as a massage therapist is to provide services at upscale resorts and spas. Not only will you be able to enjoy the comforts of such luxurious accommodations, but you’ll be part of a team that truly cares about your well-being.
SEE: How to make money with vacation rentals
4. Offer Corporate Massage Services
Massage is becoming more and more popular these days, and companies are starting to see the many benefits of hiring a massage therapist. A professional massage can improve blood flow, improve employee health, and keep employees focused.
Making money as a massage therapist is not only the most lucrative way to use your skills, but it’s also the easiest. Using corporate services, you can offer therapeutic levels of one-on-one or group messages to employees without having to leave the office or buy specialized equipment.
Offer back rubs on tired days after working overtime, have a group session with co-workers to relieve stress after a busy quarter, or just get in some relaxation time while at the office by booking regular massages.
5. Sell Massage Oils and Other Massage Products
Whether you’re a full-time massage therapist or a weekend warrior, you can make extra money by selling spa products to your clients. This side business idea is ideal if you need to build your regular clientele.
Think of massage oils and other products like lotions and creams as potential revenue generators. Massage therapy is a popular practice. Develop a list of clients that would benefit from the use of oils and then offer to sell them your line of favorite massage therapy products.
Most clients will willingly purchase their supplies from you at a preferred rate because you do the massaging. Massage therapists who make and sell their massage oils and other products can make a great deal of money since they’re able to set the price and earn profits from every sale.
SEE: How to Make Money as a Cosmetologist
6. Contribute To Blogs About Massage Therapy
One of the best ways to make money from home as a massage therapist is to write and contribute to blogs about massage therapy. Massage therapy is a growing profession within the medical industry.
New massage therapists can further their careers by reading information from authorities in the field. By rating and commenting on blogs about your expertise, you can contribute knowledge to potential patients and employers. Blogs provide a great format for this type of contribution.
Another option is to start a blog on massage therapy. Starting a blog these days is simple, especially with the use of blogging platforms. You don’t need to write a single line of code. All you have to do is design to your taste, write and publish informative content and think about monetizing your blog.
7. Partner With Local Spas
If you want to make money as a massage therapist, perhaps one of the best approaches is to join forces with local spas. There are multiple reasons that this option works well. Some of them include;
- Established client base to start with
- Legitimacy
- Discounts on other products and services offered by the spa
- Exposure to new clients
- Save money using their services
- Obtain more information about starting your practice
- Make more money than you would working independently as a massage therapist
Many spas need qualified massage therapists. Sign up with them and once they see your experience, you will get plenty of appointments to make money as a massage therapist.
8. Teach Others How To Give Massages
With fresh knowledge of massage techniques and information on how to manage your business, you can embrace the opportunity to run your own massage business. If you are good at giving massages, help others become better providers of this service by offering them lessons.
Offer them practical tips and techniques that will leave them with confidence to treat their clients as soon as they finish the sessions. In addition, there are entire schools dedicated to teaching people how to give massages, some even grant certifications upon completion of the program.
You can offer group classes at your local community college or set up lessons with individuals by posting the sessions on online course platforms. This is an affordable way to jump-start your career as a massage therapist, all while making money.
SEE: How to create an online course like a professional
9. Become a Mobile Masseuse
A tremendous number of clients are looking for low-cost massage therapy on the go. If you are willing to be a mobile masseuse you can make money as a massage therapist.
Travel to massage clients and provide a professional service in a friendlier setting, such as a client’s home or vacation rental properties. To start this business, create a website with your picture and client testimonials.
Add information on the types of massages you perform and the payment options you accept. Also add information about your availability for appointments, asking clients to contact you directly with times they are interested in scheduling.
10. Use Social Media To Market Your Business
In the current era of social media, over 80% of everyone on the planet uses social media. So if you aren’t marketing your business on the social media network, you miss out on a huge customer base. Social media gives you instant access to clients around the world.
Massage therapists often rely on word of mouth and advertising in local publications to promote their services. But using social media like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram can improve their client base.
The first step is to create a free business profile on one of the social media sites and indicate that you offer massages in your local area. Many businesses, including freelancers, have social media pages these days and many people will seek out your page to get in touch with you.
SEE: How to make money with your social media followers
How Much Money Can You Make as a Massage Therapist?
An annual salary of $42,000 is normally expected for therapists who have 2 to 4 years of experience. An experienced massage therapist with 5 to 10 about should expect to earn an average of $48,000 annually. A massage therapist with many years of experience could earn up to $54,000 a year.
FAQs
What does a massage therapist do?
Massage therapists deal with the health and well-being of their clients as members of the healthcare industry. They accomplish this by using dozens of different types of massage to release tension in muscles, promote blood flow, and alleviate soft tissue pain.
To successfully diagnose and treat aches, massage therapists need to possess a thorough understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
Can you run a massage business from home?
Yes. It is possible to work from home as a massage therapist. Having the opportunity to work from home reduces the cost of rent as well as commute times. However, before starting a massage business from home, you should consider a few factors.
You must consider your skill level, liability insurance, your location, operating hours, and expectations when deciding whether or not to become a massage therapist at home. Weigh your remaining advantages and disadvantages as well.
Becoming a massage therapist allows you to reach many people and provides a flexible schedule therefore you can take on as much work as fits into your personal and professional life.
Final Thoughts
Massage therapy is a booming industry and there’s never been a better time to make extra money as a massage therapist. As the general population is living healthier lifestyles, there is also more awareness on how beneficial massage therapy can be.
But with competition growing, it’s important to start thinking of ways to add value and push you above your competition. This article has highlighted the top ideas to make money as a massage therapist.
As a massage therapist, you can also be interested in some other gigs to make more money. With the internet, you have numerous options and ideas. If you would like to have an additional business with little cost, see the article on businesses with low startup costs
Perhaps you are a college student who happens to be a massage therapist, there are other ways to make money while in college. The article highlights how to make money online as a college student.
In general, if you are looking for business ideas, guides, and tips on how to make money both online and offline, Tosinajy is the go-to blog for you. You will also find software to make the journey simple and more effective.
The only thing you need to do is explore the blog and find something that interests you. I wish you all the best.
Thank you for reading.