Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $25.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Decatur, AL runs $25.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,565 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,533 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $25.27, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly pay of $29.80. This disparity reflects the local market and can significantly impact those working part-time or under per diem arrangements. For example, a therapist working three days a week could find themselves navigating various settings, including day spas, chiropractic clinics, or private practices. Entry-level professionals might start at $14.65 per hour, while experienced therapists can earn up to $39.17, illustrating the potential for career growth in this field. These figures are extrapolated from annual salary details, providing a clearer picture of what therapists can expect on an hourly basis in Decatur.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.65 | $117.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.28 | $146.24 |
| Median (P50) | $25.27 | $202.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.35 | $258.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.17 | $313.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $25.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.27/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $52,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,320. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.68 | $4,380 | $52,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.41 | $2,628 | $31,533 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.27 | $1,752 | $21,022 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Decatur) | $25.27 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Decatur, AL earn a median of $52,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $52,461.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.27/hr = $31,533/year (purchasing power: $35,874).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,555/year (purchasing power: $59,790).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Decatur grew 36.5% from $17.46/hr (2019) to $23.83/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Decatur
Focusing on part-time work, a massage therapist in Decatur who logs 24 hours weekly might see an annual take-home pay of around $31,664, which can differ significantly when compared to full-time earnings. Per diem massage therapist pay in Decatur typically varies, with therapists at franchise chains like Massage Envy earning about $25 to $40 per session, whereas mid-tier independents may charge between $60 and $100. Self-employed therapists can enjoy more lucrative rates, earning $80 to $150 per session, but they must also navigate the costs of overhead and marketing their services. The hourly rates across Decatur’s employment sectors are influenced by the associated benefits; some therapists may choose lower-paying positions with health insurance from employers over higher hourly wages as self-employed practitioners. Negotiating rates effectively can be a crucial skill in this profession, especially for those in Decatur seeking to maximize their earnings while considering the trade-off between benefits and pay.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Decatur in 2026?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov