Should I Become a Massage Therapist?
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Last updated: July 22, 2026
Does this sound like you? You’re in a career that doesn’t feel fulfilling. You’re interested in holistic health. It’s been supportive in your own life and you’d like to help others feel better, too. You want a career with flexibility, meaning, and room for growth and lifelong learning. If so, you may want to ask yourself: should I become a massage therapist?
Massage Therapy is a growing field in healthcare. Massage therapists provide noninvasive treatments to relieve stress, manage pain, promote overall wellbeing, and so much more. In this article we’ll walk you through things to consider before taking a leap into a new career, no matter what stage you’re at in life:
- The field of massage therapy: can massage therapy be a stable, lucrative career?
- What would life be like as a massage therapist?
- Is a career in massage therapy right for you?
- How can I become a massage therapist?
Read on to answer the question “should I become a massage therapist?”
Is Massage Therapy a Stable, Lucrative Career?
Massage therapy is a faster-than-average growing field with a projected growth estimate of 15-18% in the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). The median salary according to BLS is around $58,000 per year, with higher earners bringing home between $74,000 and $131,000. This is greatly influenced by location and industry with sports, educational services and individual and family services being at the top end of the salary range.
Why is massage therapy growing as a field?
- Consumers recognize the value of massage therapy. According to a survey by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA):
- 91% of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness
- 94% of individuals surveyed believe that massage can be effective in reducing pain
- Consumers received an average of 2.7 massages in the past 12 months.
- More than ever, massage therapists are recognized as key members of healthcare teams.
- Massage therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for back pain, according to the 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline published by the American College of Physicians.
- In its standards for hospitals and other accredited healthcare organizations, the Joint Commission recommends massage as one of several nonpharmacologic modalities for pain management.
- 44% of consumers reported that their physician recommended they get a massage, according to the AMTA 2026 Professional Research Report.
Life as a Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists often report a high quality of life due to flexible work hours, feeling fulfilled in their work, and professional autonomy.
Many massage therapists have control over their own hours, are able to work less than 40 hours per week, and have a good work/life balance. Many achieve personal happiness by helping their clients find relief from pain and stress and contributing to their wellbeing.
They also often have influence over their work settings, usually curating serene, relaxing environments designed to induce calm. They have the opportunity to work in diverse settings, to own their own practice, and to specialize in specific areas of massage, encouraging career growth and personalization. Most importantly, Massage Therapists work 1:1 with their clients to reduce pain and work towards functional goals. Some specific populations that massage therapists work with include prenatal, oncology, athletics and more.
Is a Career in Massage Therapy Right for You?
So should you become a massage therapist? Flexible work, self employment and a calm environment may sound just right, but there are certain traits and professional demands to consider before jumping into a new career.
Massage Therapists are generally empathetic, personally driven and adaptable people. Building a practice takes organizational and problem solving skills, a willingness to put yourself out there, and can have instability at the beginning, especially with self employment or a lack of professional support.
It’s also a physically and emotionally demanding job that requires diligence when it comes to self care, managing patients expectations and creating boundaries to prevent burnout. Work hours are not only dedicated to patients, but involve note taking, prepping the space, and keeping a standard of cleanliness for each client. Taking good care of your body (and mind) can aid in creating a sustainable career.
Think your personality, goals and skills align? Then you’re ready to move on to exploring massage therapy programs!
NWHSU Massage Therapy Programs
Northwestern Health Sciences University has multiple massage program options with flexible schedules to meet a variety of prospective students’ needs. The anatomy-based curriculum, extensive clinical opportunities and an integrative health setting can help prepare you for your future career as a massage therapist.
NWHSU is the only program in Minnesota that offers both Eastern and Western massage certificates. You can complete a certificate in as little as eight months, or earn an associates degree. Small class sizes aid in developing close professional relationships with classmates and skilled faculty, and an integrative setting gives exposure to other health disciplines like chiropractic and acupuncture.
Ready to take on a career in Massage Therapy? Check out our admission requirements. Still have questions? Connect with our admissions office to get more information and plan a visit to campus.