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
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 1,000. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Massage Therapists may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed, which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 38% of Massage Therapists who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $34,074. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$27.24
Median$41.67
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 certificate or diploma
$24,395 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$23,299 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$18,988 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$28,020 median annual incomeHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Massage therapy/therapeutic massage
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide relief and improved health and well-being to clients through the application of manual techniques for manipulating skin, muscles, and connective tissues. These programs 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
721 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2H4
(902) 564-6112
1888 Brunswick Street, 5th Floor
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
(902) 425-2869
Mumford Professional Centre, 6960 Mumford Road, Suite 180
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 832-3268
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.