Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $29.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Surprise, AZ runs $29.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,913 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,548 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $29.29 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $29.80. This wage provides a decent income for professionals in various employment settings, whether they're working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Part-time therapists, who might take on a schedule of just three days a week, can still achieve reasonable earnings, making opportunities in spas, chiropractic clinics, or even self-employed practices attractive. With an hourly wage range starting at $17.22 for entry-level positions and extending to $45.39 for top earners, this profession allows for growth and flexibility in how therapists manage their work schedules and client bases.
About the Surprise 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) | $17.22 | $137.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.88 | $175.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.29 | $234.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.48 | $299.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.39 | $363.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $29.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $60,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,143. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.42 | $5,076 | $60,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.85 | $3,046 | $36,548 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.57 | $2,030 | $24,366 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Surprise) | $29.29 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $60,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $61,035.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.29/hr = $36,548/year (purchasing power: $37,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,914/year (purchasing power: $61,841).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Surprise grew 36.5% from $20.23/hr (2019) to $27.62/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
The potential for earnings varies significantly depending on the work setting and type of employment. A massage therapist working part-time, for instance, who commits to 24 hours a week might earn about $45,000 annually, while full-time therapists could make over $60,000, reflecting a substantial difference in take-home pay. Per diem massage therapist pay in Surprise also varies; those filling in at local chains might bill $25-$40 per session, while independent practitioners or self-employed therapists can command rates from $80 to $150 for each 60-minute session, especially if offering mobile services. The disparity in hourly rates is often tied to employer types, with chains like Massage Envy generally offering lower pay while providing consistent client bookings, a critical factor for many therapists. For those considering employment options, it's essential to weigh the benefits of working at a franchise with steady income against the higher earning potential of self-employment, which requires careful marketing and management of operational costs. Negotiation strategies should focus on the particular demands of the position and the value brought to clients, ensuring therapists achieve pay that reflects their skills and commitment.
More salary data for Surprise, 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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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