Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Bentonville, AR: $25.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Bentonville, AR runs $25.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,204 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Bentonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bentonville, Arkansas, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $25.57, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This median pay reflects the varying landscapes within the profession, offering different experiences for part-time workers who typically might operate three days a week in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile services. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $14.83 per hour, while top earners in the field see rates reaching up to $39.64. This diverse range suggests that there are opportunities for massage therapists to find a comfortable niche, whether they work as employees at established businesses or pursue self-employment, where potential earnings can significantly vary based on location and clientele.
About the Bentonville 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) | $14.83 | $118.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.84 |
| Median (P50) | $25.57 | $204.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.74 | $261.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.64 | $317.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bentonville
Based on $25.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.57/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bentonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $53,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,689. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bentonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bentonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,022.98 | $4,433 | $53,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.79 | $2,660 | $31,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.19 | $1,773 | $21,278 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Bentonville) | $25.57 |
| 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 Bentonville, AR earn a median of $53,204 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $53,850.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.57/hr = $31,917/year (purchasing power: $36,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,195/year (purchasing power: $61,214).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Bentonville grew 36.5% from $17.67/hr (2019) to $24.12/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.12/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 Bentonville 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 Bentonville
For those considering part-time opportunities, working just three days a week could yield around $31,099 annually. In contrast, full-time therapists may find themselves earning more conducive amounts. Per diem or agency massage therapists often find themselves billing between $25 and $40 per session in chain environments, while independent mid-tier establishments might pay up to $100. Self-employed therapists may earn even more, with rates ranging from $80 to $150 for a single session, especially in mobile setups. The hourly pay varies widely based on employer type, with wellness spas offering different rates than chiropractic clinics or even hospitals. Many massage therapists weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates that include benefits and the higher pay but fewer perks associated with self-employment. Negotiating salary can be beneficial in Bentonville; therapists might seek higher per-session rates or flexible schedules to match their income needs and lifestyle demands.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Bentonville in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Bentonville?
Are massage therapists in Bentonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Bentonville?
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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 Bentonville. 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 Bentonville 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