Any massage therapists out there? Is it better to be an employee or independent contractor?

I think there are benefits of both jobs. I have been involved with salons for a long long time. The massage therapists I have known have all been independent contractors. This allows them to have control of their schedules, rates, etc. If you are an employee, you will have to be available when your employer wants you there and you will probably have an hourly wage. However, you may be able to have some benefits such as vacation and health care tied to that. So it is up for you to decide what is best suited for your current situation.