Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Montgomery, AL runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,293 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,369 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists stands at $29.94, slightly above the national median of $29.80. This rate opens various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in diverse environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the flexibility allows them to engage in multiple roles, which can be financially viable given the hourly range from $11.81 for entry-level positions up to $52.36 for the most experienced professionals. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that a range of settings—even mobile setups or private practices—can heavily influence one's earning potential, making the hourly pay a critical factor in this profession in Montgomery.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.81 | $94.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.34 | $114.68 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.87 | $342.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.36 | $418.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $62,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,931. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.71 | $5,190 | $62,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.63 | $3,114 | $37,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.09 | $2,076 | $24,912 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Montgomery) | $29.94 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $62,293 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.51% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 18.70% above the Alabama state average of $52,479.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,369/year (purchasing power: $41,668).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,281/year (purchasing power: $69,447).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $11.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Montgomery grew 36.5% from $20.69/hr (2019) to $28.24/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.75/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Earning potential varies significantly for massage therapists in Montgomery, particularly between part-time and full-time roles. A therapist working three days a week at 24 hours might expect an approximate annual income of $37,072, which diverges meaningfully from a full-time schedule. The reality for per-diem or agency therapists often means billing between $25 to $40 per session in chain environments, while independent practitioners could charge $80 to $150 for a standard 60-minute session. Those in higher-end mobile practices might achieve rates of $120 to $200 per session. Typically, therapists in spas or franchises, such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, tend to earn lower hourly wages but gain stability in client bookings. Conversely, self-employed therapists enjoy the potential for higher earnings but must manage their marketing and overhead costs. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective negotiations around hourly rates in Montgomery, especially for those considering the trade-offs between benefits and pay rates across various employer types.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Montgomery in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Montgomery?
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Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Montgomery?
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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 Montgomery. 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, 5-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