This is the most common question I receive. What is the average Massage Therapist Income? There are many factors that involve the answer to this question. The basic answer I have found, for Canada and the US, is:
$12,000- $20,000+ per year part-time and
$30,000-$90,000+ per year full time.
So what determines the Salaries?
You and Your Education
The starting point to every profession. What has been the financial investment into your education? Time investment?
What modalities to you have training in?
You can charge different rates for different specialties. For example, I charge more for Hot Stone Therapy than I do Relaxation Massage. For each modality, and specific training, you can have a variety of rates.
How long have you been in the profession?
If you have just Graduated a Massage Program, chances are you will be making slightly less than someone who has been in practice for 10 years.
Demographic Region
Cost of living dictates rates all life factors. You have to make your pricing reasonable to your market. If you over price yourself, clients won’t be able to afford your services.
Fee Strategy
- Competitive pricing. What are other Therapists charging?
- What is your market? Can you afford to charge $55 instead of $60 per hour? This is NOT a SALE price!
- What do you offer? Ex: Do you offer third party billing?
- What do you do different? Ex: Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone, or another specialty.
Remember the NEVER put yourself on Sale? Now here’s the ‘skirt around’ that issue.
Go that little extra mile: Go 5 mins more on the Massage. Add in a touch extra face, or head massage. That goes a long way with a client.
Pre-Paid Packages: Pay for X# of One Hour Massages, and receive the last one for free. This is not a sale price, this falls under ‘what do you offer’. I did these for a number of years, and the payoff was fantastic. (I still offer them, but only to my VIP clients now).
Do you have any ‘Specialty Equipment’ available to you? Like a Steamer or Sauna? If you do, offering a ‘Combo Package’ is a great way to add to the client experience. ( I added these links because, when I had a Full Service Spa, we had a Personal Steamer, and the clients LOVED it. InfraRed was still a fairly new, and expensive venture, and when I found these, I was super stoked! What a great add on!!
Canadian Link to InfraRed Sauna
Hours of Operation
What hours are you working? I’ve been fortunate, for many years, to be able to book according to my clients needs, and my schedule balance. Remember, when starting out, you shouldn’t be too choosy. Working evenings, and Saturdays can be quite beneficial to your income. Even after being in business for as long as I have been, I still work evenings, and some Saturdays. (Over the years, I have become picky about Saturdays. I reserve those spaces for my VIP clients only).
What are do you charge, and what region are you in? Let me Know! I’m Curious as to how accurate these charts are!
Have an AWESOME DAY
Shaunna
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