Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, AR: $25.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Jacksonville, AR runs $25.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,467 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,076 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, Arkansas, the projected hourly median pay for massage therapists is $25.70, which is considerably lower than the national median of $29.80. This discrepancy can impact not only full-time employees but also part-time and per-diem workers who are often drawn to flexible scheduling in various environments, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, they might stretch their skills across different settings, allowing them to maximize income opportunities while still maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly pay range for massage therapists in Jacksonville varies from approximately $15.28 for entry-level positions to around $39.85 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the diversity within the profession.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $15.28 | $122.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.24 | $153.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.70 | $205.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.90 | $263.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.85 | $318.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $25.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.70/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $53,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,842. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.07 | $4,455 | $53,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.84 | $2,673 | $32,076 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.23 | $1,782 | $21,384 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Jacksonville) | $25.70 |
| 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 Jacksonville, AR earn a median of $53,467 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.70% below the Arkansas state average of $53,844.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.70/hr = $32,076/year (purchasing power: $36,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,459/year (purchasing power: $61,518).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Jacksonville grew 36.5% from $17.76/hr (2019) to $24.24/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.25/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Examining the financial reality for massage therapists in Jacksonville reveals interesting dynamics, especially for those considering part-time work. A therapist working three days a week, totaling roughly 24 hours, can expect to earn about $30,500 annually, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still allows for supplementary income. The per diem model is also pertinent in this field, where therapists can charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per session, depending on their employer or client base. For instance, self-employed therapists may command between $80 to $150 for a standard 60-minute session, potentially leading to a more lucrative but less stable income. Massage therapists must also weigh the trade-offs of working in a franchise setting, which may offer consistent bookings but often at a lower hourly rate. In contrast, those venturing into self-employment face risks and responsibilities that can affect earnings but provide greater potential for flexibility and higher pay. Understanding these nuances is essential for professionals navigating their career paths in Jacksonville, AR.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Jacksonville in 2026?
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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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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