Licensed Massage Therapist Salary and Job Market Outlook in Oklahoma

What is the average salary for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Oklahoma?

According to salary.com, the average salary for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Oklahoma is $45,832 per year.

Are there variations in LMT salaries based on geographic regions in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are variations in LMT salaries based on geographic regions in Oklahoma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paying area for massage therapists in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma City area, with an average annual salary of $45,870. The Tulsa area has an average annual salary of $41,910, and the Lawton area has an average annual salary of $41,500.

What factors, such as experience, specialization, or market conditions, can impact LMT salary in Oklahoma?

1. Experience: The more experienced a LMT is, the more likely they are to receive higher salaries in Oklahoma. This is because experienced LMTs have a greater understanding of various massage techniques, have a better chance of obtaining higher paying clients, and can command higher rates.

2. Specialization: Specialized LMTs, such as those who specialize in sports massage, trigger point therapy, or reflexology may be able to charge more for their services than non-specialized LMTs, due to their higher level of expertise and knowledge.

3. Market Conditions: The local economy and job market can affect LMT salaries in Oklahoma depending on the demand for massage therapists in a particular area. If there is an abundance of massage therapists in a certain area, then wages may be lower due to increased competition. On the other hand, if the demand is high and there are few massage therapists in an area, then wages can be higher.

How does the salary for LMTs compare to the national average for the profession in Oklahoma?

The average salary for a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in Oklahoma is $41,000 per year, which is well below the national average of $55,000. This is likely due to the lower cost of living in Oklahoma compared to other states.

Are there opportunities for LMTs to earn overtime pay, bonuses, or commissions in addition to a base salary in Oklahoma?

No, according to Oklahoma Labor Law, LMTs cannot receive overtime pay or bonuses. However, some massage spas may offer commission-based salaries or incentives for performance or client referrals. Furthermore, LMTs may be able to negotiate a higher base salary depending on their experience and qualifications.

What are the typical work schedules for LMTs, and do they include options for part-time or flexible hours in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, massage therapists typically work during the day, but may also offer evening or weekend appointments. Some practitioners may offer flexible hours or part-time schedules to accommodate their clients’ needs. Massage therapists in Oklahoma must be licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Board, and must adhere to the board’s rules and regulations regarding work hours. Oklahoma massage therapists must generally work no more than 10 hours per day, and no more than five days per week. Additionally, massage therapists may not work past 10 p.m. on any given day.

Is there a demand for LMTs, and how does the job market outlook look for this profession in Oklahoma?

Yes, there is a demand for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Oklahoma. According to the 2019 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists in Oklahoma have a job outlook of 11% through 2029, which is faster than the average of all other occupations. Additionally, the median annual wage for massage therapists in Oklahoma was $37,410 in May 2019. This is higher than the national median annual wage of $41,420.

Are there specific areas of massage therapy work, such as sports massage, spa therapy, or medical massage, with higher demand for LMTs in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are some areas of massage therapy that have higher demand for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) in Oklahoma. Sports massage is one of the most popular types of massage therapy in Oklahoma, as athletes in the state rely on it to help them stay in top physical condition. Spa therapy is also a popular type of massage therapy in Oklahoma, as many people seek out spa treatments to relax and unwind. Finally, medical massage has seen an increase in demand in recent years as more people turn to massage for pain management and other therapeutic benefits.

What is the employment growth rate for LMTs, and are there expected shortages or surpluses in the workforce in Oklahoma?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of LMTs in Oklahoma will increase by 24.6% from 2019 to 2029, which is much higher than the average growth rate for all occupations in the US. The BLS does not report any expected shortages or surpluses in the workforce for LMTs in Oklahoma.

Are there resources, such as job listings, networking events, or massage therapy associations, available to help immigrants find job opportunities as LMTs in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are resources available to help immigrants find job opportunities as massage therapists in Oklahoma. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a great resource for finding massage therapy job listings and networking events in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering also provides resources and licensing information for massage therapists in the state. Additionally, many local massage therapy associations have job listings and networking events for massage therapists in the area.

Are there opportunities for bilingual or multilingual LMTs to serve diverse communities and clients in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are many opportunities for bilingual and multilingual LMTs to serve diverse communities and clients in Oklahoma. Across the state, there are many individuals and communities that speak languages other than English, such as Spanish, Vietnamese, and Somali. These individuals often have difficulty accessing the same types of healthcare services that are available to English-speaking patients, so many massage therapists have stepped in to fill this void. By offering bilingual or multilingual services, massage therapists can significantly increase their client base and provide much-needed services to these communities.

What are the ethical and professional responsibilities of LMTs, especially when dealing with diverse clients and communities in Oklahoma?

1. LMTs must adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct at all times. This includes following the Code of Ethics set forth by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA).

2. LMTs must maintain strict client confidentiality and abide by all applicable laws, regulations, and professional guidelines.

3. LMTs must respect and honor diversity in all aspects of their practice, including client selection and treatment protocols.

4. LMTs must recognize and abide by the rights of their clients and take any reasonable measures to ensure that they are respected and protected.

5. LMTs must remain aware of cultural and linguistic differences in order to provide services tailored to the needs of their clients.

6. LMTs must ensure that their services are accessible to all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

7. LMTs must be mindful of the power imbalance between them and their clients and take necessary steps to protect their clients from any form of exploitation or abuse.

8. LMTs must be aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may arise from treating clients with whom they have personal relationships or ties.

9. LMTs must be proactive in educating themselves about the social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting Oklahoma’s diverse communities in order to better serve their clients.

Are there opportunities for career growth and advancement for LMTs in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are a variety of opportunities for career growth and advancement for LMTs in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering regulates LMTs in the state. The Board offers continuing education classes that can help LMTs gain additional training and certifications, such as advanced modalities, that can help them further their careers. Additionally, LMTs may be able to find employment with spas or chiropractors and may be able to advance in those positions.

What are the employment benefits, such as healthcare, retirement, or bonuses, typically offered to LMTs in Oklahoma?

The exact benefits offered to LMTs in Oklahoma vary depending on the employer. Generally speaking, some common benefits that may be offered include health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), retirement plans (such as 401(k) plans or pension plans), life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and performance bonuses. Additionally, some employers may offer additional benefits such as continuing education and professional development opportunities.

Are there opportunities for immigrant LMTs to open their own massage therapy practices or work as independent contractors in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are opportunities for immigrant LMTs to open their own massage therapy practices or work as independent contractors in Oklahoma. However, there are specific requirements that must be met in order to do so. The Oklahoma State Board of Massage Therapy regulates the massage therapy profession in the state and requires that all massage therapists possess a current and valid license. Immigrant LMTs must obtain a valid license from the Board before they can open their own practice or work as an independent contractor. Additionally, they must pass both a criminal background check and a massage therapy licensing exam. Once they have completed all of these requirements, they can begin to pursue their goals of opening their own practice or working as an independent contractor in Oklahoma.

Are there specific resources or programs for immigrant LMTs to gain additional certifications or specializations in Oklahoma?

For immigrant LMTs in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering provides additional certifications and specializations. The board has a continuing education program that can help LMTs stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques. Additionally, the Oklahoma Department of Labor offers a variety of immigrant services and resources, including job training and placement services. Finally, the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center has a program specifically designed to support immigrant entrepreneurs in the state.

What are the potential legal implications or challenges immigrants may face when pursuing an LMT career, especially in the context of immigration status, in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, immigrants who wish to pursue a career as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) are subject to the same legal requirements as all other LMTs. This includes obtaining a license from the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, meeting education and training requirements, and passing the necessary exams.

Immigrants should be aware that they will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency before they can be licensed. Furthermore, if an immigrant does not have a valid Social Security Number, they must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS in order to complete their licensing application.

In addition, immigrants should be aware that they may face additional challenges related to immigration status when it comes to finding employment opportunities in the massage therapy field. Many employers in the massage therapy field may be hesitant to hire individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to the potential legal implications or risks associated with hiring immigrants who lack valid work authorization.

Finally, immigrants should be aware of any other potential legal implications or challenges involved in pursuing a career as an LMT in Oklahoma, such as any state or local laws that may affect their ability to practice massage therapy or obtain a license. Additionally, they should research any relevant regulations or restrictions that may apply at their place of work and/or residence.

Are there options for language assistance, cultural competency training, or support for immigrants who may face language or cultural barriers during massage therapy work in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are options for language assistance and cultural competency training in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Board of Massage Therapy requires all massage therapy schools to provide a course in cultural competency and language assistance, or offer a substitute course approved by the Board. Additionally, many massage therapy associations, such as the Oklahoma Massage Therapy Association, offer language assistance and cultural competency training courses for massage therapists. Furthermore, there are a variety of organizations in Oklahoma that provide language assistance and cultural competency services to immigrants, such as the Center for Employment Training (CET) and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Are there organizations, associations, or online platforms that provide job listings and career resources specifically for LMTs in Oklahoma?

Yes, there are several organizations and online platforms that provide job listings and career resources specific to LMTs in Oklahoma. These include:

1. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Oklahoma Chapter: This organization provides job postings, career resources, networking opportunities, and information about continuing education.

2. The Oklahoma Board of Massage Therapy: This organization provides information about licensing requirements, continuing education, and job postings as well.

3. Indeed: This online platform offers job postings specifically for LMTs in Oklahoma.

4. SimplyHired: This online platform provides job postings for LMTs in Oklahoma as well as general career resources.

5. Indeed Professional Careers: This online platform offers job postings specifically for LMTs in Oklahoma and provides access to a variety of other professional career resources.

What are the opportunities for immigrant LMTs to serve underserved communities or engage in philanthropic massage therapy work in Oklahoma?

There are many opportunities for immigrant LMTs to serve underserved communities or engage in philanthropic massage therapy work in Oklahoma. These opportunities can include volunteering at community clinics, providing free massage services to low-income families, or participating in community outreach programs. Immigrant LMTs can also join organizations such as the Oklahoma State Massage Therapy Association (OSMTA) which offers professional development and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to become involved in various philanthropic initiatives. Additionally, there are a number of organizations in Oklahoma dedicated to providing holistic health services to underserved populations that could use the assistance of immigrant LMTs.