Massage Therapy Hub

Most massage therapists in Canada are self-employed—but what does that really mean?

In Canada, self-employment is different from being an employee of a company. Understanding the distinction is important not just for tax purposes, but also for knowing your rights, responsibilities, and how to build your career.

Employed vs. Self-Employed

Employed

You are considered employed when you:

• Work under a contract of service (employee-employer relationship).
• Have an employer who controls your work—what you do, how you do it, and when.
• Are paid a salary or hourly wage.
• Have deductions taken from your pay (e.g., income tax, CPP, EI).
• May receive benefits like vacation pay, sick leave, or health insurance.

Self-Employed

You are considered self-employed when you:

• Work for yourself under a contract for services.
• Control your own schedule, work location, and methods.
• Can accept or decline clients and often set your own rates.
• Are responsible for paying your own taxes, CPP contributions, and covering your own business expenses.
• May operate as a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or even a small business owner.

Self-Employment in Massage Therapy

As a self-employed RMT, you’re not just providing treatments—you’re managing a mini business. There are several common setups, each with its own responsibilities:

1. Commission-Based Work in a Clinic

This is one of the most common arrangements for new and experienced RMTs.

• You are paid a percentage per treatment, commonly a 60/40 split, where you keep 60% and the clinic retains 40%. You can renegotiate overtime when you already built your clientele and you are willing to bring in your own supplies.
• While 60% seem low, remember the clinic usually covers:
  • Overhead (rent, utilities)
  • Admin and reception
  • Marketing and booking
  • Laundry and linens
• You typically provide your own massage oil, while the clinic provides a table, sheets, and sometimes even clients.
• You control your own schedule and can decide how many days or hours to work.

Reminder: Even if you’re working in someone else’s clinic, if you’re on commission and issuing your own invoices or T4A, you are considered self-employed.

2. Room Rental Model

This model gives you more freedom but also more responsibility.

• You pay a fixed monthly or daily rent for the treatment room.
• You’re in charge of:
  • Marketing and finding clients
  • Billing and booking
  • Supplies and linens
• This model is best for RMTs with an established client base or those ready to take on more business ownership.

3. Home-Based Practice

Many RMTs are choosing to work from home due to low overhead costs.

• You can convert a room in your house into a treatment space.
• You save on rent and commute time, but:
  • Must ensure your space is professional, private, and compliant with municipal and CMTO standards.
  • Need to manage insurance, zoning laws, and client privacy.

We’ll go over the pros and cons of this setup in a future post.

4. Mobile Massage Therapy

Mobile RMTs bring their services to clients’ homes or workplaces.

• This model has very low overhead, as there’s no rent.
• You’ll need:
  • A portable table
  • Oils, linens, and proper sanitization supplies
  • A reliable way to transport your equipment
• Mobile massage offers flexibility and is great for clients with mobility issues, but travel time and logistics can be challenging.

Final Thoughts for New Graduates

If you’re just starting out, don’t feel pressured to commit to one model right away. Try different setups—clinic-based, mobile, part-time renting—and see what fits your personality, goals, and lifestyle. Every RMT’s journey is different, and the right path is the one that works best for you.