Is anyone out there a massage therapist? If so, do you find it profitable and do you have any advise?

I am thinking about becoming a massage therapist and was wondering if anyone out there could give me advise like: is it better to work at a spa, Dr's office, etc..or to be on your own making housecalls, what do you make/ year, do you find it enjoyable? If you are self employeed, do you have to have special insurance to protect yourself should something go wrong? What kind of schooling did you receive? Thanks so much!Is anyone out there a massage therapist? If so, do you find it profitable and do you have any advise?
I have been a professional massage therapist for 10 years, and making my living exclusively by doing massaage for the last 5.





The best place to work is where you are happiest and connect to the clients. Spa work is fun but not too serious, doctor/chiro offices require good skills and puts you in contact with alot of banged up people who appreciate your help but dont tip. Self employment giuves you freedom and you keep all your money, but some people are not cut out for the harsh realities of self employtment.





You can make between 15 band 70 per hour. The average massage therapist makes about 30,000 per year.





By joining a group like AMTA (www.amtamassage) you get insurance that covers you for liability. You can add on a 'slip and fall' policy for another 100 per year (total about $350).





You should get about 500 hours of education, this is enought to get you licensed unless you live in Florida or NY, then you need 1000 hours.





Best place to start: get a professional massage and ask the person some questions. Check out a few local massage schools and ask to speak to recent graduates. Talk to everyone in the business and see if this work is right for you.





Good luck.