Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $24.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Dothan, AL runs $24.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,373 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.69, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This hourly rate can significantly influence the earning potential for part-time professionals who might work three days a week. For example, a massage therapist working around 24 hours weekly could expect to take home approximately $2,320 monthly, which translates to around $27,840 annually. Furthermore, the hourly pay range for massage therapists in Dothan varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $14.32 and top earners potentially reaching $38.29 per hour, based on employer type and client base. Typical work environments include spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile setups, which often dictate hour-to-hour earnings.
About the Dothan 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) | $14.32 | $114.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.13 | $145.05 |
| Median (P50) | $24.69 | $197.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.62 | $252.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $24.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.69/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $51,364 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,633. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $987.78 | $4,280 | $51,364 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $592.67 | $2,568 | $30,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.11 | $1,712 | $20,546 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Dothan) | $24.69 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $51,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.11% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.10% below the Alabama state average of $52,475.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.69/hr = $30,819/year (purchasing power: $35,061).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,364/year (purchasing power: $58,435).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Dothan grew 36.5% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $23.29/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.18/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
When examining part-time earnings in Dothan, a 3-day work week for massage therapists highlights an attainable yet moderate income, especially compared to full-time positions. For per diem or agency massage therapists, earning from $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments versus $60 to $100 at mid-tier locations reveals the marked difference in income potential. Self-employed practitioners can request $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session and even higher for mobile service, capitalizing on lower overhead and direct client engagement. Variances in pay are often found across various employer types, from franchise chains like Massage Envy to independent practices, which typically offer better compensation. While some therapists may accept lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, self-employed individuals may appreciate the freedom that comes with higher pay per service, leading to a comfortable standard of living in Dothan’s cost of living environment, which is below the national average. Negotiating effectively, understanding market rates, and considering whether to engage with chains or operate independently can significantly shape a therapist’s financial path.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dothan. 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 Dothan 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