Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Flagstaff, AZ: $28.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Flagstaff, AZ runs $28.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,595 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Flagstaff's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,754 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Flagstaff, Arizona, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.65, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate provides a viable income for part-time workers, especially those practicing three days a week, as well as per-diem therapists who may work in diverse settings, including spas, chiropractic offices, and mobile therapies. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $17.10 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of their field can command rates up to $44.41 per hour. The variation in hourly pay shows that career progression can begin with lower earnings but offers the potential for substantial growth as therapists gain experience and further refine their skills.
About the Flagstaff Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.10 | $136.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.45 |
| Median (P50) | $28.65 | $229.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.68 | $293.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.41 | $355.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flagstaff
Based on $28.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.65/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flagstaff, AZ can expect to earn approximately $59,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,379. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Flagstaff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flagstaff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,145.97 | $4,966 | $59,591 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.58 | $2,980 | $35,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.39 | $1,986 | $23,836 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Flagstaff) | $28.65 |
| 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 Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $59,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.40% below the Arizona state average of $61,061.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.65/hr = $35,754/year (purchasing power: $36,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,591/year (purchasing power: $60,498).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Flagstaff grew 36.5% from $19.79/hr (2019) to $27.02/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.38/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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff
For a massage therapist working part-time at 24 hours per week, this equates to approximately $36,000 annually, a figure often less than full-time counterparts, but still a respectable living when paired with flexible scheduling. Many therapists opt for per diem positions, which can yield between $25 and $100 per session, depending on the establishment, with independent practitioners earning even more, typically charging $80 to $150 per session. In Flagstaff, hourly wages can vary widely based on the employment model—franchise chains like Massage Envy provide regular hours but may pay less than private practices. As health insurance benefits and job security differ, therapists must weigh the pay against potential perks when considering their options. Negotiating pay in this market can hinge on factors like experience, client base, and the types of services offered, allowing flexibility to either settle for a steadier paycheck or venture into self-employment for potentially higher rewards.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
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 Flagstaff. 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 Flagstaff 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