Massage Therapy Career Opportunities
Massage therapy offers a rewarding career for people who enjoy helping others and want flexibility in how and where they work. Licensed Massage Therapists enjoy diverse career opportunities, flexible schedules, and the option to work in established healthcare and wellness settings or build a successful private practice.
Whether you want to work for an established employer, build your own practice, or combine massage therapy with other wellness interests, Irene’s prepares you with the education, hands-on experience, licensing support, and career services needed to move confidently into the profession.
Massage Therapy Career Paths
As a graduate of Irene’s, you’ll be equipped with the skills and experience needed to launch your massage therapy career. You’ll be prepared to obtain your license and begin your professional practice. Massage therapists can be found in a variety of settings, including:
- Day Spas
- Chiropractic Offices
- Hospitals
- Wellness Centers
- Private Practice
- Full-service Salons
- Country Clubs
- Physical Therapy Clinics
- Fitness Centers and Gyms
- Sports Teams and Training Facilities
- Corporate Wellness Programs
- Resorts or Cruise Ships
“I graduated in February of 2007 and still refer potential students of massage therapy to Irene’s. Employers will tell you they love Irene’s graduates and frequently prefer us. Also after 10 years in this business to still be supported within the community is a great blessing. To receive the knowledge of women who pioneered massage in metro Detroit for 45 years is a priceless gift. Thanks Irene and staff.” – Cheryl D.
Massage: A Growing Profession
The positive effects of human touch are far-reaching, and scientific research continues to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy. Studies have shown that massage can support pain relief, stress reduction, recovery, and overall well-being, contributing to its growing role in health care.
Many professional athletes have incorporated massage therapy into their training and recovery routines, including Serena Williams, Kobe Bryant, and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson. Elite athletes rely on massage therapists to help maintain mobility, manage the physical demands of competition, and support recovery.
Massage therapists support athletes at the highest levels of competition, including members of Team USA at the Olympic Games. At recent Olympics, massage therapy has been included in athlete medical services and on U.S. Olympic team support staffs to help athletes prepare, recover, and perform at their best.
*The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects massage therapy employment to grow 15% from 2025 to 2035, a rate that is much faster than average compared to the roughly 3 percent average growth across all occupations.
Employment of massage therapists
is projected to grow
%
2025 to 2035*
“At Spavia, our mission is to make a positive difference in the community and provide an exceptional experience for every guest, every time. We love Irene’s graduates because they come ready to meet those goals with exceptional training, a variety of modalities, enthusiasm, and a positive work ethic. The school’s alumni consistently achieve high client retention and membership acquisition, a testament to the success of Irene’s program. I would recommend Irene’s as a great place to learn and prepare for success!”
– Janet Hunnius, Owner Spavia Ann Arbor
Irene’s Outcomes
Graduation & Licensed
%
88% of Irene’s students graduated and became state licensed.
Overall MBLEx Pass Rates*
%
90% Irene’s graduates pass the MBLEx licensing exam, above state & national averages.
Employment Rate
%
76% of Irene’s graduates were employed as massage therapists.
Approved Massage Employers
Over 225 local massage therapy employers prefer to hire Irene’s graduates.
* Overall pass rate includes first-time passes and successful retests.
Preparing You for a Successful Massage Career
Irene’s Myomassology Institute prepares students for professional massage therapy careers through hands-on training, a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, therapeutic technique, client-centered care, and practical clinical experience.
Students also receive licensing guidance, career preparation, and access to Lifetime Job Placement services. Located in Southfield, Michigan, Irene’s has prepared generations of graduates to serve clients throughout Metro Detroit and beyond.
Lifetime Massage Job Placement Assistance
Irene’s graduates are provided lifetime job placement services. Massage employers throughout Southeast Michigan prefer Irene’s graduates, and many hire exclusively from our alumni. Irene’s alumni can log in to our Now Hiring page to see the many job opportunities available!
Our Now Hiring page lists an abundance of jobs from our extensive network. Irene’s reputation allows us to maintain relationships with the best employers in Michigan and around the country.
If you are looking for a massage job, send your resume to our massage career services department. Our placement director will email your resume to employers we know are hiring. Also, mark your calendar for our annual massage career fair. We have employers on campus that are ready to hire Irene’s graduates.
The public’s awareness of holistic health and preventive medicine is rapidly growing. Many are realizing that modern medicine does not have all the answers and are turning to other methods to feel well. As more people begin to understand the importance of good health, the need for trained massage therapists is expanding.
If you have any questions, call our Placement Director at 248-350-1400.
Irene's Exclusive Massage Career Fair for Alumni
Irene’s annual Massage Career Fair gives graduates the opportunity to meet employers who are ready to hire Irene’s alumni. Employers from Southeast Michigan and surrounding areas come to Irene’s campus for one-on-one conversations, interviews, and opportunities to connect with skilled Licensed Massage Therapists.
Massage chairs are available so graduates can demonstrate hands-on skills when appropriate. Alumni are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resume.
Upcoming Career Fair
Wednesday, May 12, 2027
12:00 PM–3:00 PM
For Irene’s graduates only
Join us at Irene’s massage school for this great opportunity to find employment with one of the massage employers who want to hire Irene’s alumni. If you have any further questions, call our Career Services Department at 248-350-1400.
Remember to dress for success! There will be numerous employers present for you to meet. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don’t forget to bring copies of your resume to give to potential employers.
Irene’s Approved Massage Employers
In order to be added to our list of approved massage employers, the business must be in compliance with Irene’s minimum employment standards.
As part of our ongoing support to alumni, we are committed to optimal employment opportunities for massage therapists. The school’s minimum standards ensure fair labor practices for graduates.
Now Hiring Massage Therapists
Only Irene’s graduates have access to our exclusive Massage Job List. Graduates login now to view our list of currently hiring massage jobs.
Hire an Irene’s Graduate
Massage therapy employers prefer to hire graduates of Irene’s Myomassology Institute. Check out the testimonials from massage employers below. To be included on our list of Irene’s Approved Massage Employers, submit the employer information form to our Career Services Department. Upon approval, your establishment will be included on our list of approved employers with your website and logo.
“We provide a professional setting for Myomassologists to start their own business. Pro Therapeutic Myomassology only offers this opportunity to graduates of Irene’s Myomassology Institute. By following this policy, we can offer clients an extensive variety of techniques and modalities that, in my opinion, cannot be provided by any other massage school! Irene’s produces only the best, most qualified massage therapists in the Greater Detroit Area!”
– Deb Petersen-Brand, Owner Pro Therapeutic Myomassology
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Massage Therapy Program
What kinds of jobs can massage therapists have?
Licensed Massage Therapists may work in spas, wellness centers, chiropractic and medical offices, fitness facilities, sports environments, resorts, private practice, and many other settings.
Is massage therapy a growing career?
Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of massage therapists to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
Can massage therapists work part time or be self-employed?
Yes. Part-time work, flexible schedules, and self-employment are common in massage therapy.
Does Irene’s help graduates find massage therapy jobs?
Yes. Irene’s provides Lifetime Job Placement assistance through its Career Services Department, including alumni job listings, employer connections, resume support, and an annual career fair.
Does Irene’s screen employers before recommending them to graduates?
Yes. Employers must meet Irene’s Minimum Employer Standards for fair labor practices and professional employment before gaining access to Irene’s alumni hiring resources.
Do employers prefer Irene’s graduates?
Yes. Massage therapy employers throughout Southeast Michigan regularly seek Irene’s graduates and contact the school when they are ready to hire.