- Salary statistics
- Shiatsuterapeut
Shiatsuterapeut
Hälso- & sjukvård
What does a Shiatsu therapist do? – Tasks and work environment
A Shiatsu therapist works with treating clients using the Japanese body therapy Shiatsu, where pressure and manipulation of the body's energy channels are used to promote health and well-being. Tasks include performing individual treatments, conducting health assessments, offering lifestyle advice, and sometimes conducting courses or lectures on stress management and body awareness. The work environment varies between private clinics, wellness centers, and sometimes work at companies or spas. Many work as self-employed practitioners, which involves responsibility for both treatments and administration.
Salary development over time
Salary statistics for Shiatsu therapists are very limited, and official data on average salary is unavailable for both men and women. Over the past three years, no clear change has been observed in the available figures, reflected in the reported average salary of 0 SEK per month and hourly rate of 0 SEK. This stagnation may be due to the profession belonging to the alternative therapy sector, where many work as self-employed individuals with income that varies greatly depending on client base and demand. The lack of standardized employment forms and agreed salaries makes it difficult to track clear salary development over time. The market is also influenced by competition from other body therapists and fluctuating demand for alternative treatments.
Shiatsu therapist salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 0 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly rate: 0 SEK/hour
- Gender differences: No data available
- Regional differences: No reliable data
Education and qualifications
To work as a Shiatsu therapist, a vocational training in Shiatsu is usually required, offered by private schools and training providers. The training varies in length and scope but always includes practical components and sometimes internships. There is no formal license in Sweden, but industry organizations offer certifications that can enhance credibility in the market.
- Training: Private vocational training (1–2 years)
- Certification: Possible through industry organizations
- Internship: Often included in the training
- Prerequisites: Usually no formal requirements, but interest in health and anatomy is advantageous
- Further training: Courses in massage, anatomy, or other therapy methods are recommended
Many Shiatsu therapists combine their work with other therapy methods or wellness initiatives, which can broaden their client base and professional skills. Building a network with other therapists and collaborating on marketing or shared premises is common in the industry and can be crucial for a stable practice.
Common benefits and compensations
Among Shiatsu therapists, it is common to work as self-employed, which means that traditional benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, or holiday pay are often absent. However, those employed at spas or wellness centers may sometimes have access to simpler benefits, such as discounted treatments, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further training.
Competition and challenges
The profession of Shiatsu therapist is characterized by fierce competition, especially in larger cities where the range of alternative treatments is extensive. A major challenge is building a stable client base and gaining visibility in a market where massage, zone therapy, and other therapy forms compete for the same clients. The lack of formal licensing and recognition within the healthcare system can also make it difficult to reach new customers. Economic uncertainty and seasonal fluctuations in demand are common, and entrepreneurship and perseverance are often required for long-term success.
Tips for those who want to become a Shiatsu therapist
To succeed as a Shiatsu therapist, having a genuine interest in health and well-being is important, as attentiveness and empathy are central qualities in the profession. Being proactive and independent facilitates building a private practice or finding partners. Precision and a willingness to continually develop through further training help improve treatment outcomes and increase credibility with clients. Being communicative and pedagogical is important to inform and guide clients about the effects of treatments. Finally, perseverance and patience are crucial, as it often takes time to establish oneself and create a stable income in the profession.
Key facts about Shiatsu therapists
- Professional group: Therapists within alternative medicine
- Work form: Most common as self-employed or consultants
- Educational pathway: Private vocational training (1–2 years)
- Demand: 375 job openings within the profession according to the latest survey
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, many Shiatsu therapists choose to further their education in related therapy forms, such as massage, acupressure, or zone therapy, to broaden their service offerings. Some start their own clinics, while others collaborate with spas, wellness centers, or corporate health services. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, the demand for alternative therapists remains relatively stable, with 375 job openings within the profession. Future prospects are influenced by trends in health and wellness, increased awareness of complementary treatments, but competition for clients remains high.
Frequently asked questions about Shiatsu therapists
- What does a Shiatsu therapist earn?
- Official salary data is unavailable, but many work as self-employed individuals with varying incomes. - What education is required to become a Shiatsu therapist?
- Private vocational training in Shiatsu, often 1–2 years long, is most common. - Is there a license for Shiatsu therapists in Sweden?
- No, the profession is unregulated and there is no official license issued by the government. - What does the job market look like?
- There is some demand, with approximately 375 job openings within the profession according to the latest data. - Where does a Shiatsu therapist work?
- Many work in private practices, at spas or wellness centers, and sometimes as consultants for companies. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attentiveness, empathy, initiative, and patience are particularly important qualities. - Can I pursue further training?
- Yes, it is common to supplement with courses in massage or other therapeutic methods.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Shiatsuterapeut has the SSYK code 3230, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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