“Average
hourly earnings of massage therapists increased in the past year
Therapists
working in their client’s homes made the most, an average of $69.89 per
hour. Those
working in massage only franchises and chains made the least, an average
of $20.39
per hour.” https://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/2014_mprr_professional_version_web_memberonly.pdf
The $69.89
mentioned above is what was CHARGED not what was MADE! The same report says that the average gross
income for massage is $21,871. This is
gross income. Taxes and other expenses need to be deducted. How does $69.89 per hour only end up being $21,871
per year.
The $20.39
per hour (wage and tip) indicated for franchises and chains is much more
accurate indicator of actual hourly income as an employee before taxes.
IT IS
UNETHICAL FOR THE MASSAGE PROFESSION TO CONTINUE TO PERPETUATE THIS MYTH
RELATED TO INCOME.
Yes I am yelling.
Below is a
much more realistic evaluation of income potential. Also when you compare the real information
working for one of the franchises is not such a bad situation.
TYPICAL FEE STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS OF INCOME- SELF EMPLOYED FULL TIME.
Below is a breakdown of session lengths and client fees. Now before you get your fascia in a twist when
looking at the fee structure remember the fees are based on a retention client
structure where they would get a massage a least every two weeks. So for the typical hour massage at the
average fee this is $100 a month commitment for a client. That’s a lot based on the current economic status.
Also this is based on a new graduate to the first 5 years or so in practice, so
if you are charging more based on experience good for you but this is a realistic view.
½ hr. (30 min)
$25 Low-end Fee
$35 High-end Fee
$30 Average
1 hr. (60 min)
$40 Low-end Fee
$60 High-end Fee
$50 Average
1 1/2 hr. (90 min.)
$60 Low-end Fee
$80 High-end Fee
$70 Average
1-hr (60 min.) on-site
$90 Low-end Fee
$150 High-end Fee
$120 Average
But this is only a start to figuring out how much you would
be earning. You need to consider more than the time that is spent in the
session—setup, possible travel, and other associated costs must be considered.
It is essential to consider “REAL TIME” when calculating income.
There is always time between sessions and things to attend to. Below is a
breakdown of massage session lengths, “real time”
required, and the income generated based on the average earnings from above.
½ -hr. massage Massage Duration
¾ hours (45 minutes) “Real Time” Required
$30 Average Rate
($40 per hour) Income Generated Based on Average Rate
1-hr. massage 1¼ hours (75 minutes)
$50 ($40 per hour) Income
Generated Based on Average Rate
1 ½ -hr. massage Massage Duration
1¾ hours (105 minutes) “Real Time” Required
$70 Average Rate
($40 per hour) Income Generated Based on Average Rate
1-hr. on-site massage Massage Duration
3 hours (180 min) “Real Time” Required
$120 Average Rate
($40 per hour) Income Generated Based on Average Rate
Ok so $ 40 gross an hour for actually doing massage. BUT -- It
takes approximately 32 hours of REAL TIME to complete 25 1-hr massage sessions (
full time ). In addition, it is necessary to manage the business and take care
of office and cleaning responsibilities. At a minimum this would be 8 hrs. per
week. The actual work week is 40 hrs. per week ( probable more).
Hourly
income would come to $15.63.
So---
A self-employed massage therapist does 25 1-hr massage
sessions per week at $50 per massage, which equals $1250 in gross income. 50%
of the gross income is deducted for overhead expenses and taxes. This leaves
$625 of net income. The amount would result in an annual average net income (in
pocket) of $32,500 if doing 25 sessions per week consistently. I have heard
many say that that is too many sessions and that 20 massage sessions per week
is more realistic. Well do the math on that---- $ 12.50 per hour -$ 26000 per
year.
Is there increased potential for income generation for massage?
Yes, you can raise rates and reduce overhead but both of these options would
occur for the more experienced massage professional. People always want to know what I charge—expert
that I am after all with 34 years’ experience provided thousands of massage
sessions. $50 per hour and most of my
sessions are onsite due to the client base I work with, so there is additional
fee depending on the driving distance but for an hour drive it is $50. The massage session is typically
90 min. Then since I am in the client’s
home there is some time with the spouse, kids, grandma or grandpa or the
dog. Typical fee is $175. But if you come to me at my location the fee
is $50 per hour and $75 for 90 min. I do
not feel I am undercharging. I feel this
fee structure is fair and supports retention clients. I do not tell my students they are going to
make $ 50 per hour. I tell them that is
the average charge for a massage. They will make between $12 and $15 per hour
when they begin. This is the ethical thing to do.
Fritz. Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage, 5th
Edition. Mosby, 2013.
