Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $21.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in North Little Rock, AR runs $21.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,951 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,968 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, the projected median massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $21.61, considerably below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate provides an interesting perspective for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or those seeking per-diem roles. In treatment environments like spas, chiropractic clinics, or sports medicine facilities, entry-level therapists might earn around $12.79 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $33.49 hourly. The hourly pay structure in this field reflects the considerable variations driven by the specific work settings, further complicated by factors like experience level and client base.
About the North Little Rock 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) | $12.79 | $102.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.24 | $129.95 |
| Median (P50) | $21.61 | $172.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.66 | $221.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.49 | $267.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $21.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.61/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $44,947 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,931. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $864.36 | $3,746 | $44,947 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $518.61 | $2,247 | $26,968 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.74 | $1,498 | $17,979 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (North Little Rock) | $21.61 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $44,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.47% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 16.50% below the Arkansas state average of $53,834.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.61/hr = $26,968/year (purchasing power: $31,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,947/year (purchasing power: $51,722).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in North Little Rock grew 36.5% from $14.93/hr (2019) to $20.38/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.91/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Considering the dynamics of part-time work versus full-time employment reveals distinct earning potentials. A therapist working 24 hours per week at the 2026 median rate would take home approximately $26,384 annually. In contrast, per-diem massage therapists in North Little Rock often bill between $25-$40 per session for chain spas or $60-$100 for independent practices, with self-employed professionals earning as much as $150 for an hour-long session. Employers in diverse settings, such as franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, typically offer lower hourly rates but more consistent booking opportunities. Conversely, those who choose self-employment face higher earning potential but must manage their own overhead and client marketing. With this in mind, negotiating for higher pay, based on individual qualifications and the benefits offered, is a practical approach, especially in a market with various options for massage therapist hourly rates in AR.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in North Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in North Little Rock?
Are massage therapists in North Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
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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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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