Massage therapy is the most requested service at spas. Many massage therapists receive massage therapy foundational training in massage school. Those that pursue a career in spa therapy often have additional training when they begin work at their spa, learning spa treatments such as sea salt scrubs and body wraps.

Spa employers usually request at least a year of experience before employment consideration. Entry level massage therapists can typically fulfill this employment requirement by working as a massage therapist in various settings, including salons, private offices, health care centers, hospitals, fitness centers, and studios, among others.

An entry-level spa therapist typically gives 15 to 20 massages or other treatments per week, working three to four shifts. Spas have different pay rates, and may compensate based on hourly pay, flat rate, commission base, or you may receive a percentage of the service fee plus tips. Spa therapists can make between $25.00-50.00 per massage before gratuity, while other spa treatments have a slightly higher pay rate scale. According to the International Spa Association (ISPA), spa therapist income can range anywhere from $10,000 for a part-time employee to $60,000 a year for a full-time practitioner.

In many spas, you´ll learn skills that aren´t taught elsewhere. These skills and spa training can lead to jobs in spa management; they can be useful in the event you decide to open you own spa. Spa therapy employment is also well suited to those who simply wish to work at a resort or spa for a few years while they form their career plans.

From luxurious destination spas to small day spas, there are many types of spas. There are natural spas built around mineral water and hot springs, medical spas, men´s spas, and women´s spas. A spa may be a location in a larger chain, a resort or hotel service or an independent business.

Spas often offer their clients a serene environment focused on mind/body healing, relaxation and wellness. Most spas offer their clients a wide range of massage options, including Shiatsu, Thai bodywork, acupressure, and hot stone therapy. Comprehensive spa packages frequently combine massage with other spa treatments, such as facials and body scrubs and wraps. Massage may incorporate additional healing techniques and aromatherapy oils.

Spa therapists often utilize spa product lines made with therapeutic ingredients like herbs, botanical extracts, fruit enzymes, salts, and muds. Spa therapy employment often includes training in the beneficial properties of these ingredients in order for spa therapists to be able to explain the products clearly to clients and also to be able to sell the product line.

Spa-goers expect full-body pampering from their spa therapists, whether the spa is a resort spa, a day spa, health spa, or other type of spa setting.

Many massage therapists who decide to embark on a career in spa therapy find that they thrive in the spa industry while learning many new skills and techniques which they can add to their basic massage training. Learning these additional skills and techniques can expand work opportunities and increase income potential.

Spa therapists must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people, have an interest in the physical and emotional health of their clients and be able to work with a range of body types and physical conditions.

The demand for qualified spa therapists continues to grow. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, massage therapy job opportunities will grow at double the rate of other job industries. The long term job growth outlook is promising for both full-time and part-time massage therapists.

In as little as 8 months of massage school, you could be working in the massage industry. Whether you choose to work in a spa, private practice, health care center, cruise ship, or other setting, massage therapy courses at Acupuncture & Massage College are designed to provide you with a solid basis in massage therapy techniques and practice.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College´s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.