What Percentage of People Get a Massage?

In recent years, as more people looked to alternative treatments for enhancing their physical and mental well-being, massage therapy has grown in popularity. How widespread is massage treatment, though? What proportion of people actually get massages regularly?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) estimates that between July 2019 and July 2020, at least one massage was given to 19% of American adults. The data from the previous year showed that 16% of adults got massages in 2018, therefore there has been a small increase since then. Although this number might appear to be small, it’s significant to remember that it represents around 47.5 million people in the United States alone.

In 2019–2020, 58% of individuals who got massages said they did so for medical or health reasons, such as pain treatment, injury recovery, or stress reduction. The remaining 42% had massages for pampering or relaxation. This indicates that although while massage treatment is frequently considered to be a luxury or pleasure, many people are now turning to it as a respectable method of healthcare.

What about the massage practitioners themselves, though? What is their hourly wage? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in May 2019, massage therapists made an average hourly income of $19.63. However, this can differ significantly depending on things like experience, region, and employer type. Additionally, independent massage therapists might be able to make more money than those who work for spas or clinics.

So, is working in massage therapy low-stress? Massage therapists report high levels of job satisfaction and a sense of purpose from making their clients feel better, despite the fact that the physical demands of the profession can be exhausting. Like any job, there may be difficulties and tensions, such as demanding clients, unpredictable hours, and the have to constantly promote oneself in order to develop a clientele.

A training program and a license test are normally required for certification as a massage therapist. States in the United States have different standards for licensure, although the majority demand at least 500 hours of instruction from a recognized institution. Training programs may include lessons on anatomy, physiology, and business management in addition to massage methods.

Which nation pays massage therapists the most, finally? Australia has the highest average hourly pay for massage therapists, at $41.76 per hour, according to Payscale data. The United States ($20.08), Canada ($26.50), and the United Kingdom ($15.53) follow this. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers might change depending on a number of variables, including geography, employer type, and years of experience.

In conclusion, although not everyone chooses to get massage therapy, it is a developing business that offers both employment prospects and health benefits. Do your homework and select a skilled practitioner who can suit your needs whether you’re thinking about becoming a massage therapist or simply looking to include massage in your wellness routine.