Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/142672
figures are often quoted. Some members report being paid only $15–$18 per session, plus tips. In a medical office setting, the pay is a bit lower, but the fee split is more generous with respect to the practitioner ($39.76 average, representing about 70 percent of $56.80, the total fee). These responses are averages gathered from a sample of practitioners and can be a helpful guide. Does that mean you will receive the same? Not necessarily. Many factors can influence compensation, including region or area, your experience, specific facility policies, and competitive pressures affecting the facility. Also, the above numbers may decrease slightly over time, because there has been a rising tide of practitioners working in massage clinics, such as Massage Envy, where take-home compensation is estimated to be $15–$23 for 50-minute massages, which can increase to $25–30 with tips and bonuses. You might ask, "So how will I know what pay to ask for?" Chances are the facility seeking your employment will suggest the initial terms for your employment. For example, they'll say, "We'll split your fee 60/40," or "The facility gets $15 from every massage performed." In addition to specific compensation negotiations, you should be prepared to discuss your expected duties and how you will be compensated for them. Is there a fee split for hands-on work? How will you be paid when performing other duties such as spotting the receptionist at the front desk? Many factors can influence compensation, including region or area, your experience, specific facility policies, and competitive pressures affecting the facility. There are no hard and fast rules about fair compensation for massage and bodywork therapists. One therapist may be quite content to get $15 per hour, while another may want a 70/30 split for her $75 session. It is a matter of personal choice. Consider for a moment the popular business saying: "Your value is whatever someone is willing to pay you." The value of what your time is worth is something that only you can decide. If your massage practice is your sole source of income, then it is up to you to determine what your capacity for work is (how many massages a week you can comfortably perform), figure out your income objective, and determine if the job you are considering will allow you to meet that objective. If you have determined you need to make $600 per week, and you feel you can perform 20 massages per week, then you'll need to earn $30 per massage. Can your prospective employment situation meet that objective? How many days will you work there? How many hours per shift? What if the facility is slow on a given day? Will you have a responsibility to solicit for clients, or will the spa handle that? If it is your responsibility, do you get rewarded for this activity? If you intend to practice solo eventually, will you be permitted to serve clients you met at the spa in your own private practice? If you are classified by the work facility as an employee, you have additional issues related to compensation. Does the employer offer benefits, such as health insurance, 401(k), bonuses, and education reimbursement? These benefits aren't that common for massage and bodywork practitioners, but if you can negotiate for them, they can certainly boost your overall compensation package, even if they don't directly help pay the rent. Getting paid (and regularly) is one important reason you might choose to work for someone else. Before accepting a job offer, it's crucial you educate yourself about the issues. Talk to other therapists who also work for facilities and/ or employers in your area. Develop an appropriate benchmark for your experience, location, and type of facility for which you intend to work and go into the negotiations well armed. Remember, only you can determine your worth. SPH Les Sweeney, NCTM, is the president of ABMP.