Massage therapist in a rented clinic room

Clients paying out of pocket or through extended health benefits, including people referred by physios, chiropractors and doctors in the same clinic.

Session fees, minus a monthly room rent or a share of each session paid to the clinic. Direct billing to insurers can bring in more regular clients.

• Completed massage therapy training recognized in your province
• Working well with other health professionals
• Managing your own schedule, records and billing

• Whether you are truly self-employed or treated as an employee, check CRA guidance and your contract
• Registration rules vary by province, and insurers often require specific credentials for direct billing, so check before you promise it
• Professional liability insurance, even if the clinic has its own cover
• Rent is due even in quiet months, so test the numbers before you commit to a long lease
• Whether your services are GST/HST exempt or taxable, check with the Canada Revenue Agency

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your equipment, insurance, marketing and any deposit or setup fees the clinic asks for. Rent is due even in quiet months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many clients you build, your rates, and the hours you work. Clinic referrals can help, but these are only estimates.

Check whether you're truly self-employed or treated as an employee using CRA guidance and your contract. Also check provincial registration rules, insurer credential requirements for direct billing, liability insurance, lease length and GST/HST treatment.