Private Practice Owner
Build your dream practice with complete control over your therapeutic approach and business.
What Does a Private Practice Owner Do?
Discover what this career path involves
Private Practice Owners in massage therapy enjoy the ultimate professional freedom: setting their own hours, choosing their specialties, and building a practice aligned with their values. While the path requires business skills and startup investment, the rewards include higher per-session earnings, flexible scheduling, and the satisfaction of entrepreneurship. Successful private practices often develop through specialization, whether in medical massage, sports therapy, prenatal care, or luxury wellness. Location options range from home studios to commercial spaces to mobile practices.
Salary & Job Outlook
Financial rewards and career growth potential
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Massage Therapists, Self-Employed
Self-employment offers the highest earning potential in massage therapy. Specialists in medical, prenatal, or sports massage who build referral networks enjoy strong, stable practices.
Work Environment
Where you could build your career
Your own studio or treatment room
Home-based practice space
Shared wellness center suites
Mobile massage services
Corporate on-site locations
Medical office sublets
Expect complete control over your environment, designed to your therapeutic approach.
A Day in the Life
A typical week as a Private Practice Owner
1 of 6
Owning your practice means freedom and responsibility. You set your rates, your hours, your specialty. Building a loyal client base takes time but the independence is worth it.
Key Skills
Skills you'll develop and use in this career
Multiple massage modalities and specializations
Business planning and financial management
Marketing and client acquisition
Client relationship management
Treatment space design and maintenance
Continuing education and skill development
Requirements & Licensing
Your path to becoming licensed
["State massage therapy license", "Business license and liability insurance", "Treatment space (studio, office, or mobile setup)", "SOAP note documentation system", "Marketing and client management tools", "Strong business and financial management skills"]
Related Careers
Explore other career paths in Massage Therapy
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
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Spa Massage Therapist
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Sports Massage Therapist
Help athletes achieve peak performance and faster recovery through specialized massage.
Medical Massage Therapist
Provide therapeutic massage in healthcare settings for patient recovery and wellness.
Wellness Center Therapist
Support holistic health through massage in integrated wellness environments.
Corporate Wellness Provider
Bring wellness services directly to the workplace, helping employees reduce stress and boost productivity.
Resort/Hotel Spa Therapist
Provide luxury wellness experiences in beautiful resort and hotel spa settings.
Cruise Ship Massage Therapist
Travel the world while practicing your craft in luxury floating spas.
Chiropractic Office Therapist
Complement chiropractic care with therapeutic massage in a healthcare-focused environment.
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
Heal through touch with comprehensive massage therapy certification.
Spa Massage Therapist
Create tranquil experiences through the healing art of therapeutic massage
Sports Massage Therapist
Help athletes achieve peak performance and faster recovery through specialized massage.
Medical Massage Therapist
Provide therapeutic massage in healthcare settings for patient recovery and wellness.
Wellness Center Therapist
Support holistic health through massage in integrated wellness environments.
Corporate Wellness Provider
Bring wellness services directly to the workplace, helping employees reduce stress and boost productivity.
Resort/Hotel Spa Therapist
Provide luxury wellness experiences in beautiful resort and hotel spa settings.
Cruise Ship Massage Therapist
Travel the world while practicing your craft in luxury floating spas.
Chiropractic Office Therapist
Complement chiropractic care with therapeutic massage in a healthcare-focused environment.
Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
Heal through touch with comprehensive massage therapy certification.
Spa Massage Therapist
Create tranquil experiences through the healing art of therapeutic massage
Sports Massage Therapist
Help athletes achieve peak performance and faster recovery through specialized massage.
Medical Massage Therapist
Provide therapeutic massage in healthcare settings for patient recovery and wellness.
Wellness Center Therapist
Support holistic health through massage in integrated wellness environments.
Corporate Wellness Provider
Bring wellness services directly to the workplace, helping employees reduce stress and boost productivity.
Resort/Hotel Spa Therapist
Provide luxury wellness experiences in beautiful resort and hotel spa settings.
Cruise Ship Massage Therapist
Travel the world while practicing your craft in luxury floating spas.
Chiropractic Office Therapist
Complement chiropractic care with therapeutic massage in a healthcare-focused environment.
Ready to Start Your Private Practice Owner Career?
Take the first step toward becoming a Private Practice Owner. Fill out the form below and we'll help you get started with our Massage Therapy program.
Program Details
Massage Therapy Program
The training program that prepares you for a career as a Private Practice Owner
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