Have you noticed the mega chain’s job listings offering to pay for your massage training? Are you considering this route? Would you like an in-depth understanding of the massage chain’s offer, and how to translate their job postings? Give this a read and you will have the key to unlock the mystery.
On various hiring websites you may see job postings claiming:
- In just 11 months you could be earning up to $65,000 a year with an amazing career as a massage therapist.
- Offering tuition reimbursement for your training.
- A Full-time, busy schedule after graduation
What are the chains offering?
The massage chains are creating exclusive contracts with new schools to mitigate their cataclysmic employee deficit. These new schools are designed to serve as a direct pipeline straight into their employee base. In what appears to be an incredible opportunity for new lmts is actually a conveyor belt into the meat grinder of massage.
It will reduce the overall quality of massage, accelerate the washout rate, and further weaken the influence lmts have over our own industry.
For now, lets explore the job posting, and its claims.
“In just 11 months you could be earning up to $65,000 a year with an amazing career as a massage therapist.”
A $40,000 to $65,000 lmt job posting equals $19.178 to $23.9725 per service hour plus tips, or an average of $21.57 per hour plus tips. A new graduate should expect to earn between $28,940 to $36,176; or an average of $32,558 per year working at a massage chain (including estimated tips).
Most massage therapists will earn $17,995 to $35,991 per year plus tips, or an average of $25,493.
- 21.57 x 16 hrs x 52.143 wks = $17,995 yr
- 21.57 x 20 hrs x 52.143 wks = $22,494 yr
- 21.57 x 32 hrs x 52.143 wks = $35,991 yr
How did we calculate the $19.178 to $23.9725 per service hour?
The first minimum of $40,000 is based on a regular 40-hour work week, the second is based on a 32-hour work week.
- $40,000 ÷ 52.143 wks= $767.12 wk
- $767.12 ÷ 40 hr = $19.178 hr
- $767.12 ÷ 32 hr = $23.97 hr
Then we average these wages.
- $19.178 + $23.97 = $43.1505
- $43.1505 ÷ 2 = $21.57 per hour
The chain is going to use the highest theoretical earning potential to attract lmts. They will list these numbers even though lmts do not typically work 40 hours, or even 32 hours.
New lmts should aim to work about 16 service hours per week, then gradually increase to 20 over time. Massage therapy requires a lot of energy and focus. Performing too many massages will lead to injury and burnout. Lmts working at the chains often lack mentorship, are not provided enough time between services, and are overworked.
To further understand the reasonable expectation of pay we need to estimate the tips at the chains.
The service rates at the chains for an hour of massage ranges from $75 to $100 per hour. Some chain’s non-membership rates are more than $100, but since most of their customers are members, we are weighing on the lower end.
- $75 + $100 = $175
- $175 ÷ 2 = $87.50 average per service hour
We will set the standard tip at 15%.
- $87.50 × .15 = $13.12 per service
Now we multiply the hours by the number of estimated services per week.
- $13.12 x 16 hrs = $209.92 wk
- $13.12 x 20 hrs = $262.40 wk
- $13.12 x 32 hrs = $419.84 wk
This shows us the total estimated tips for the year.
- $209.92 × 52.143 wks = $10,945 yr
- $262.40 × 52.143 wks = $13,682 yr
- $419.84 × 52.143 wks = $21,891 yr
As you can see, the $65,000 listed in the expected salary is based on 15% gratuity from 32 hours of service per week.
Estimated actual yearly earnings from a chain
- 16 hours = $28,940 yr
- 20 hours = $36,176 yr
- 32 hours = $57,882 yr
The low end of $28,940 is a far cry from the proposed $40,000 minimum, and the high end falls short of the $65,000 per year and would be considered dangerous for new lmts.
“We offer tuition reimbursement for your training.”
The chain will want to see a return on their investment. This investment may require you to work at their facility for several years. Resigning, or getting terminated may mean you must pay back some or all of the tuition. In addition to this, you may be required to sign a strict non-compete agreement. This will prevent you from practicing massage at other facilities, seek better opportunities or have the freedom every lmt needs to achieve the career of their dreams.
“Full-time, busy schedule after graduation.”
This is true. You will have a busy schedule. In fact, you may be required to perform more massages than you should. Failing to meet this requirement may interfere with your tuition reimbursement. This means you might have to pay for the free education offered to you before starting school.
If you would like a deeper dive into the state of the massage industry, its direction, and what we as lmts can do to reclaim our profession visit our free business class on the fifth Wednesday of each month, or reach out to us at 636-294-7555 and request to speak with Shawn White.
