Alabama massage therapists can expect employment opportunities to significantly increase as more patients are introduced to the benefits of massage. Massage therapy is also expected to grow in popularity as people begin to look at non-medical health services in an effort to achieve optimal health while keeping health care costs within their budget.
According to the May 2006 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Alabama, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama massage therapists made an average annual wage of $34,690 at that time. Most massage therapists are self-employed and work part-time, often providing massage services as a second job.
In Alabama, massage therapists receive licensure through the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, which regulates massage professionals throughout the state. The board requires that all applicants complete 650 hours of massage training and pass an examination before becoming licensed to practice within the state.