VALUE
There have been many discussions about how much massage
therapist should make and how much a massage session should cost. These discussions are often linked to a
professional and personal expectation of value.
From Dictionary.com the 1. definition of value is -relative worth,
merit, or importance.
You might want to read:
What Is the Value of a Human Being? What are you worth?
Published on November 14, 2012 by Leon Pomeroy, Ph.D. in
Beyond Good and Evil
What Are Your Values? Deciding what's most important in life
You might want to listen to the following:
Success is a continuous journey
The power of vulnerability
And now you might want to consider the following data.
Health Care Careers Directory 2012-2013
Salary
Earnings among massage therapists vary widely,
depending on where the therapist practices, their
level of experience, the number of client-contact
hours, and their ability to establish and sustain an independent
business. Responsibilities in addition to massage include
practice
management, billing, marketing, etc.
Many massage therapists work part time and, therefore, yearly
earnings can vary considerably, depending on the therapist’s
schedule. On average, massage therapists earn between $31 and
$41 per hour and are paid for an average of 15 hours per week,
earning them annual massage-related incomes between $20,000
and $30,000. A full-time practice for massage therapy is about
26
hours a week.
Another survey, reflecting prevalent part-time and
private-practice
models, shows that practitioners earn an average salary of
$20,000 (as independent therapists); $23,750 (therapists working
as employees); and $22,600 (combined independent and employed
work). The average annual median salary, based on all three of
these categories, was $21,000.
Educational Programs
Minimum entry-level standards for massage therapy
training vary greatly, based on state or local requirements,
professional association standards, or insurance
requirements. State regulatory requirements for massage
practice range from a minimum of 500 in-class hours at a
recognized
massage schools—the most prevalent standard—to 1,000
in-class hours of massage training in accredited massage
programs.
Massage therapy training programs and schools can voluntarily
seek accreditation from seven accrediting agencies recognized by
the US Department of Education. Only 30 percent of
state-approved massage therapy training programs have received
such accreditation.
Now compare to Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Athletic trainer
Educational Programs - Acupuncture
Programs in acupuncture or Oriental medicine are
accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is
recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) as an
authority in assessing master’s degree and master’s level
certificate
and diploma programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Length. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine programs are typically
three to four academic years (90 to 120 instructional weeks),
consisting of a minimum of 105 semester credits (1,905 hours)
for
an acupuncture program and 146 semester credits (2,625 hours)
for
an Oriental medicine program.
Prerequisites. Satisfactory completion of at least two
academic
years (60 semester credits/90 quarter credits) of education at
the
baccalaureate level that is appropriate preparation for graduate
level work, or the equivalent, from an institution accredited by
an
agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education.
A 2008 study by the National Certification Commission for
Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) found that certified
acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners earned on
average $60,000 per year.
Educational Programs-Chiropractic
Length. Chiropractors complete education in an
accredited chiropractic college; four to five academic
years of professional study are standard.
Prerequisites. The typical applicant at a chiropractic
college
has already acquired four years of undergraduate college
education.
Curriculum. Chiropractic students study clinical
subjects,
including anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, and
public health. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, a
significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.
Salary
May 2011 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
show that wages for chiropractors at the 10th percentile
are $31,120, the 50th percentile (median) at
$66,060, and the 90th percentile at $142,570. (http://www.bls.gov/
oes/current/oes291011.htm).
In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice,
earnings
are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice
grows.
Educational Programs Athletic Trainer
Length. Baccalaureate degree programs require 4
years of study. Postbaccalaureate programs are generally
2 years.
Salary
Entry-level salaries in 2008 averaged $35,000. The average
overall salary is $45,000, with the upper ranges
from $55,000 to $85,000.
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
(www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes299091.htm) from May 2009 show
that wages at the 10th percentile are $26,170, the 50th
percentile
(median) at $42,400, and the 90th percentile at $65,970.
For more information, go to www.ama-assn.org/go/hpsalary
State and National Wages
for Massage Therapist
|
Location
|
Pay
Period |
2011
|
||||
|
10%
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
90%
|
||
|
United States
|
Hourly
|
$8.80
|
$11.93
|
$17.23
|
$24.38
|
$33.21
|
|
Yearly
|
$18,300
|
$24,800
|
$35,800
|
$50,700
|
$69,100
|
|
|
Michigan
|
Hourly
|
$8.25
|
$9.42
|
$14.75
|
$24.88
|
$32.34
|
|
Yearly
|
$17,200
|
$19,600
|
$30,700
|
$51,800
|
$67,300
|
|
National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational
Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: Michigan Wage Information
State Data Source: Michigan Wage Information
http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?next=occ_rep&Level=&optstatus=111111111&jobfam=31&id=1&nodeid=2&soccode=319011&stfips=26&x=56&y=7
Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13
Edition, Massage Therapists, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm
(visited March 15, 2013).
Healthcare Occupations
|
OCCUPATION
|
JOB
SUMMARY
|
|||
|
Athletic trainers
specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries
and illnesses. They work with people of all ages and all skill levels, from
young children to soldiers and professional athletes.
|
Bachelor’s degree
|
$41,600
|
||
|
Cardiovascular
technologists and technicians and vascular technologists use imaging
technology to help physicians diagnose cardiac (heart) and peripheral
vascular (blood vessel) ailments in patients. They also help physicians treat
problems with cardiac and vascular systems, such as blood clots.
|
Associate’s degree
|
$49,410
|
||
|
Chiropractors treat
patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up
of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal manipulation and
other techniques to treat patients' ailments, such as back or neck pain.
|
Doctoral or professional degree
|
$67,200
|
||
|
Dental assistants
have many tasks, ranging from patient care to record keeping, in a dental
office. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they
work.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$33,470
|
||
|
Dental hygienists
clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and
provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to
improve and maintain good oral health.
|
Associate’s degree
|
$68,250
|
||
|
Dietitians and
nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They advise people on what
to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific
health-related goal.
|
Bachelor’s degree
|
$53,250
|
||
|
Emergency medical
technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency
medical settings. People’s lives often depend on their quick reaction and
competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing
medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$30,360
|
||
|
Home health and
personal care aides help people who are disabled, chronically ill, or
cognitively impaired. They also help older adults who may need assistance.
They help with activities such as bathing and dressing, and they provide
services such as light housekeeping. In some states, home health aides may be
able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the
direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner.
|
Less than high school
|
$20,170
|
||
|
Licensed practical
and licensed vocational nurses (known as LPNs or LVNs, depending on the state
in which they work) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction
of registered nurses and doctors.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$40,380
|
||
|
Massage therapists
treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the
body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries,
reduce stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of
clients.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$34,900
|
||
|
Medical assistants
complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians,
podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners. Their duties vary
with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.
|
High school diploma or equivalent
|
$28,860
|
||
|
Medical records and
health information technicians organize and manage health information data by
ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and
electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and
categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and
registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$32,350
|
||
|
Medical
transcriptionists listen to voice recordings that physicians and other health
professionals make and convert them into written reports. They interpret
medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical
histories, discharge summaries, and other documents.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$32,900
|
||
|
Nursing aides,
orderlies, and attendants help provide basic care for patients in hospitals
and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
|
Postsecondary non-degree award
|
$24,010
|
||
|
Occupational
therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through
the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop,
recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
|
Master’s degree
|
$72,320
|
||
|
Occupational therapy
assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in
treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the
therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop,
recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.
|
$47,490
|
|||
|
Pharmacy technicians
help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication.
|
High school diploma or equivalent
|
$28,400
|
||
|
Physical therapist
assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction of physical
therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses,
and surgeries regain movement and manage pain.
|
$37,710
|
|||
|
Physical therapists
help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage
their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment
of patients with chronic conditions or injuries.
|
Doctoral or professional degree
|
$76,310
|
||
|
Recreational
therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation programs for people with
disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including arts
and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips. These
programs help maintain or improve a client’s physical and emotional
well-being.
|
Bachelor’s degree
|
$39,410
|
||
|
Registered nurses
(RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public
about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to
patients and their family members.
|
Associate’s degree
|
$64,690
|
||
|
Respiratory
therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing; for example, from a
chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. They also provide
emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, stroke, drowning, or
shock.
|
Associate’s degree
|
$54,280
|
Publish Date: Thursday, March 29,
2012
This data suggests to me that value based on education comparison, the
reported income for massage therapy is high—The other professions with similar
educational standards- Postsecondary non-degree award typically require more training than
massage therapy (500 contact hours) and earn either about the same or less. Take
a closer look at EMT for example . At the EMT-Basic level, training includes instruction
in assessing patients' conditions, dealing with trauma and cardiac emergencies,
clearing obstructed airways, using field equipment, and handling emergencies.
Formal courses include about 100 hours of specialized training. Some training
may be required in a hospital or ambulance setting.
The EMT-Intermediate 1985 or EMT-Intermediate 1999 level, also known as the Advanced
EMT level, typically
requires 1,000 hours of training based on the scope of practice. At this level,
people must complete the training required at the EMT level, as well as more
advanced training, such as training in the use of complex airway devices,
intravenous fluids, and some medications.
Paramedics have
the most advanced level of training. They must complete EMT-level and Advanced
EMT training, as well as training in advanced medical skills. Community
colleges and technical schools may offer this training, in which graduates may
receive an associate's degree. Paramedic programs require about 1,300 hours of
training and may take up to 2 years. Their broader scope of practice may
include stitching wounds or administering IV medications.
Therefore the value of massage must
be more that an academic education if we expect to earn the same value economically.
I would propose that our value be measured not only by what we charge and earn
but also by how we serve. As educators
we need to establish appropriate expectations in graduates. If we just consider the educational level, massage
therapist would earn about $12-$14 per hour.
The income reported above is realistic.
Just because we charge $40-$50 per hour does not mean that is what is
made for a net income. Net income is more like $12-$14 per hour. An annual income of $30,000 per year requires
full time work right? Right! That is 40-45
hours per week minimum and 25 massage sessions per week during those 40ish
hours. Is that enough economic value? I
don’t know- it has been for me for many years. However, there are many types of
value in the massage profession for me.
People have to be able to afford massage to
get massage on a regular basis. That tops out at $40-$50 per session if they
are going to get a massage on a weekly or every two weeks basis. How are clients going to determine value-at
least enough value to justify the time and money spent to get a massage. Just like giving a massage- it takes 2 hours
to get a one hour massage. Even at the
$40 per massage rate: on a weekly basis that is $160 a month. That’s a lot of money. If your client is making $15 per hour they
have to work about 10 hours just to pay the massage therapist. Interesting questions about value aren’t they.
