Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Mobile, AL: $14.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Mobile, AL runs $14.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $29,699 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Mobile's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.1, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $16.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $17,824 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Mobile, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $14.28, which significantly trails behind the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This lower hourly figure presents unique implications for part-time massage therapists or those working on a per-diem basis. A therapist working three days a week, for instance, could find themselves earning considerably less than their counterparts in wealthier markets, limiting their weekly and annual income potential. For those just starting, entry-level wages can be around $11.31 per hour, while highly experienced therapists may earn as much as $42.04 per hour. The hourly rates in Mobile reflect the nature of the work environment, which can include different settings such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotel spas or even mobile practices, demonstrating a diverse range of earnings in terms of what therapists can achieve in their respective arenas based on client demand and setting.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.31 | $90.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $11.35 | $90.76 |
| Median (P50) | $14.28 | $114.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.88 | $215.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.04 | $336.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mobile
Based on $14.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.28/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mobile, AL can expect to earn approximately $29,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,139. With a cost-of-living index of 88.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mobile.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mobile
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $571.29 | $2,476 | $29,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $342.77 | $1,485 | $17,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $228.52 | $990 | $11,883 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Mobile) | $14.28 |
| 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 Mobile, AL earn a median of $29,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.08% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 43.40% below the Alabama state average of $52,472.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $14.28/hr = $17,824/year (purchasing power: $20,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $29,707/year (purchasing power: $33,720).
CoL index: 88.098 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$13.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Mobile (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $10.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $12.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $13.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Mobile grew -27.3% from $18.54/hr (2019) to $13.47/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.14/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 Mobile 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 Mobile
When considering the practical aspects of part-time work, a massage therapist in Mobile who works 24 hours a week might take home around $18,451 annually. In contrast, full-time therapists typically earn significantly more. The per diem model often used in spa settings has its own dynamics, where therapists generally charge between $25-$40 for sessions in chain establishments and can command $60-$100 at mid-tier independent operations. For self-employed therapists, the cash-pay model offers the potential to earn $80-$150 per hour-long session, with mobile services bringing in premium rates from $120 to $200 per session. Hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer, with franchise chains typically offering lower pay for the sake of steady client volume, while self-employed therapists face the challenges of self-marketing but have the chance for higher profits. Negotiation skills can also play an essential role; therapists should be prepared to advocate for their worth, considering benefits packages and other factors that might justify a lower hourly pay for more consistent hours or health insurance options.
More salary data for Mobile, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Mobile in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Mobile?
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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 Mobile. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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