Become a Massage Therapist: Top Reasons Massage Therapists Love Their Jobs!
Is a Career in Massage Therapy Right for You?
At IMP, we understand that choosing to go to massage school is a meaningful decision—it’s not just about education, it’s about your career. You want to make a smart, lasting choice. But before choosing the right school, it’s natural to ask yourself:
Am I ready to become a massage therapist?
Our careers shape our lives. And for many people, choosing the right career involves reflection, values, and purpose.
A Purpose-Driven Life
There’s a Chinese saying:
“If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”
Do you find yourself wanting a more meaningful life? A career that fits your lifestyle—and your values?
While modern life emphasizes speed, tech, and consumption, many of us long for something more: connection, purpose, and impact. We want to know that what we do makes a difference.
Numerous studies have shown that helping others boosts our own happiness and sense of meaning. In fact, studies have linked purpose to better health, longer life, and lower rates of mental health challenges—including depression and PTSD (Health Psychology Review, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2017).
Should You Become a Massage Therapist?
A career built on helping others can be both rewarding and fulfilling. Massage therapy is a hands-on profession where practitioners connect deeply with their clients—providing relief, support, and healing.
"As a massage therapist, you are a giver who is truly appreciated by your clients. In a way, there is nothing more nourishing than knowing your work makes a positive difference in the world."
— David Lauterstein, The Deep Massage Book
Massage therapy is a commitment to a career in health and wellness. But how do you know if it’s right for you?
Let’s look at what massage therapists themselves say about why they love their work.
What Massage Therapists Value Most in Their Career
1. Helping Clients Feel Better
Massage therapists improve both the physical and mental well-being of their clients—and treat the whole person. According to a recent survey of 1,200 massage therapists, 99% said they believe their work makes a positive impact.
“Helping clients feel better” was ranked the #1 factor in job satisfaction—57% said it was extremely important.
Massage therapy is unique in healthcare. Clients don’t just need their appointments—they look forward to them. Massage brings joy and relaxation, and many therapists find deep motivation in these positive outcomes.
2. Job Security
Massage therapy ranked job security as the second most important factor for career satisfaction—even ahead of income.
Why?
It’s a human-centered career—hard to automate or outsource
Therapists can work in many different settings: clinics, spas, private practices
Most graduates find work quickly—84% said they found a job within a month of graduation
Many massage professionals also gain confidence and independence by developing skills they can rely on throughout their lives.
3. Good Pay
Massage therapy offers competitive income compared to many healthcare support roles, and the return on investmentcan be high.
Massage school is typically shorter and less expensive than a traditional college degree
Many therapists find they can earn back their tuition quickly
Therapists also have the option to work part-time or full-time while still achieving income goals
4. Flexibility
Massage therapy offers the freedom to shape your own schedule—and your own path.
Choose from diverse specialties (sports, medical, prenatal, deep tissue, etc.)
Work in a wide range of settings: wellness centers, clinics, resorts, or on your own
Design a work schedule that supports your lifestyle and personal goals
For many massage therapists, this flexibility contributes significantly to overall happiness and work-life balance.
✅ High Satisfaction, Purpose-Driven Careers
A recent industry survey found that 88% of massage therapists feel satisfied or very satisfied with their careers. That’s an impressive number—especially when compared to other professions.
🟩 IMP
Massage therapy offers more than just a career—it provides purpose, freedom, security, and fulfillment. If you’re ready to start a career that allows you to help others and grow personally and professionally, massage therapy might be exactly what you’re looking for.
🚀 Start your career in massage therapy today!
Learn more about IMP’s certification programs and take your first step toward a rewarding future.