Massage Therapists
(NOC 3236)
in All HealthMassage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain, and physical disorders. They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions. Massage therapists may be trained in various specialized massage techniques.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Health
From March until June, many massage therapists were obligated to stop practicing under the Health Protection Act Order. Since reopening, massage therapists must meet enhanced sanitization practices and other protocols to reduce the likelihood of spreading of COVID-19. Massage therapists are reporting increased demand for services during the pandemic. This may be due in part to the ergonomic challenges encountered by those who have begun working from home. Increased demand and growing wait times may result in massage therapists working additional hours, potentially leading to burnout.
Prospects in this occupation are good. The aging population and expanding private medical coverage may contribute to the growth in demand for massage services. The shortage of massage therapists noted in rural areas indicates that jobseekers can improve their prospects by being willing to relocate for a position. Turnover accounts for many vacancies. Many massage therapists experience ergonomic problems caused by the physically demanding nature of the job within the first 10 years of practice and change careers. Massage therapists benefit from acquiring new knowledge and complementary techniques to broaden their scope of services.
The median employment income for the 38% of Massage Therapists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $34,074. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,816
Minimum$24,391
Median$48,248
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$30.45
Median$41.35
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Massage therapists assess soft tissues and joints of the body for treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain, and physical disorders. They work in private practice, including group or team practices, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, rehabilitation centres and educational institutions. Massage therapists may be trained in various specialized massage techniques.
Job duties
Massage therapists:
- Assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle tests and propose treatment plans.
- Explain procedures, risks, and benefits to clients.
- Administer massage techniques, treating soft tissues and joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, relaxation techniques, hydrotherapy, trigger point therapy, joint pain and lower grade mobilizations, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs.
- Suggest home care instructions and provide information about techniques for further postural improvement and stretching, strengthening, relaxation and rehabilitative exercises.
- Maintain records of treatments given.
- May consult with other health care professionals like physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians, and psychologists when developing treatment plans for clients.
Sample job titles
- massage therapist (MT)
- massotherapist
- myotherapist
- orthotherapist
- registered massage practitioner
- registered massage therapist (RMT)
- Thai massage therapist
Skills
You must be able to communicate effectively with people and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, patience, and self-discipline. Therapists must be creative and unique in their approach to each client. The ability to inspire confidence and to motivate clients is important. A strong sense of responsibility, good judgement, and communication skills are also necessary. Massage therapists also require physical stamina.
Job requirements
- Massage therapists usually require an 18- to 24-month or 18- to 36-month program in massage therapy from an accredited school and a period of supervised practical training.
Other considerations
The work of a massage therapist can be physically demanding. Hours of work depend on each work setting and therapists. Some work evenings and weekends. Others work part-time in several locations.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Educational services
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
15-24
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$24,395 median annual incomeBachelor
$23,299 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$18,988 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$28,020 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Massage Therapy
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to provide relief and improved health and well-being to clients through the application of manual techniques for manipulating skin, muscles, and connective tissues. They include courses in Western (Swedish) massage, sports massage, myotherapy/trigger point massage, myofascial release, deep tissue massage, cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology, massage safety and emergency management, client counselling, practice management, applicable regulations, and professional standards and ethics.
Institutions providing this program
Halifax, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.