Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $25.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Benton, AR runs $25.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Benton, Arkansas, earn a median hourly rate of $25.36, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This difference can impact those considering part-time work or per-diem positions in various treatment settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For therapists working a typical schedule of three days a week, the potential to earn steadily exists but may be capped by the regional hourly rates. The hourly pay ranges from $14.72 for entry-level positions to $39.32 for experienced professionals in top-paying roles. These figures reflect estimates based on annual salary data, underscoring the financial landscape for those pursuing a career in massage therapy in Benton.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.72 | $117.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.58 | $148.61 |
| Median (P50) | $25.36 | $202.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.47 | $259.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $25.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.36/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $52,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,435. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.50 | $4,396 | $52,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.70 | $2,638 | $31,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.80 | $1,758 | $21,101 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Benton) | $25.36 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $52,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $53,837.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.36/hr = $31,652/year (purchasing power: $36,424).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,754/year (purchasing power: $60,706).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Benton grew 36.5% from $17.52/hr (2019) to $23.92/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.89/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 Benton 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 Benton
For therapists working part-time, committing to a 24-hour workweek could yield an annual take-home pay significantly less than full-time clinicians, thus creating a challenge for those relying solely on massage therapy. Per diem massage therapists in Benton often charge between $25 and $40 per session at established franchises, while independent practitioners can command $80-$150 for each 60-minute treatment. Self-employed therapists especially benefit from self-pay cash rates of $120-$200 during in-home sessions, though they face responsibilities for their marketing and operational costs. With employers ranging from day spas to chiropractic clinics influencing hourly wages, there’s a notable variability in pay rates across the board, meaning some therapists might choose lower-paying jobs that offer health benefits over higher-paid positions that do not. Negotiating for better terms is critical; understanding the prevailing pay rates and services offered can empower therapists to advocate effectively for their worth in Benton’s competitive market.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Benton. 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 Benton 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