Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $26.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Jonesboro, AR runs $26.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,595 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is estimated to be $26.24, which falls short of the national hourly median of $29.80. This hourly rate can significantly impact those considering part-time or per-diem work arrangements. For example, a therapist working three days a week could earn approximately $26,192 annually, which reflects the typical working conditions found in spas, chiropractic clinics, and other therapeutic settings. In Jonesboro, the pay scale for massage therapists ranges from $15.23 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $40.68 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from the annual salary estimations, providing a clear perspective on how hourly wage structures function in this profession.
About the Jonesboro 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) | $15.23 | $121.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.37 | $154.97 |
| Median (P50) | $26.24 | $209.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.60 | $268.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.68 | $325.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $26.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.24/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $54,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,491. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,049.70 | $4,549 | $54,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.82 | $2,729 | $32,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.88 | $1,819 | $21,834 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Jonesboro) | $26.24 |
| 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 Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $54,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.91% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% above the Arkansas state average of $53,841.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.24/hr = $32,751/year (purchasing power: $37,688).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,584/year (purchasing power: $62,813).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Jonesboro grew 36.5% from $18.13/hr (2019) to $24.75/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.82/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 Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro
Examining the earning potential within varied employment situations reveals interesting dynamics for massage therapists in Jonesboro. A part-time therapist may enjoy a work-life balance but will earn substantially less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem or agency massage therapists often charge between $25 and $40 for standard sessions in chain establishments like Massage Envy, while more independent settings can bring in $60 to $100. Self-employed therapists benefit from higher rates, often ranging from $80 to $150 per session, allowing for greater financial flexibility but also bringing the unpredictability of client bookings. Different types of employers also influence hourly rates; while franchises generally offer lower wages, they provide security through consistent work. In contrast, cash-pay therapists have the freedom to negotiate higher rates but must manage business overhead. Given the competitive environment, it may be beneficial for those in Jonesboro to understand local market rates and tailor negotiations accordingly to maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Jonesboro 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 Jonesboro. 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 Jonesboro 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