Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $24.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Searcy, AR runs $24.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $24.65, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This pay level impacts various employment settings, including part-time work at spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices, offering a solid income for those who may work just three days a week. For therapists working part-time, especially in high-demand environments such as hotel spas or sports teams, the hourly rates may range from $14.67 for entry-level therapists to as much as $38.21 for top earners. These figures highlight the versatility of the profession, where hourly compensation is often determined by experience, type of facility, and whether the therapist is self-employed or working in a franchise setup.
About the Searcy 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) | $14.67 | $117.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.42 | $147.34 |
| Median (P50) | $24.65 | $197.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.45 | $251.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.21 | $305.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $24.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.65/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $51,276 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,582. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $986.08 | $4,273 | $51,276 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.65 | $2,564 | $30,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.43 | $1,709 | $20,510 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Searcy) | $24.65 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $51,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $53,859.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.65/hr = $30,766/year (purchasing power: $35,404).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,276/year (purchasing power: $59,006).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Searcy grew 36.5% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $23.25/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.14/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
Analyzing the earning potential for a massage therapist working part-time in Searcy reveals that a practitioner putting in 24 hours a week could take home approximately $30,000 annually—quite a feasible income compared to full-time work. Those working as per diem massage therapists might see varying rates depending on the setting; while spa associates typically bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per session, self-employed therapists command higher fees, ranging from $80 to $150 for a one-hour session based on direct-client payments. Employment type significantly influences the average hourly rate; franchises like Massage Envy often offer less stability and lower pay than self-employed practices but provide steady bookings and benefits. Therapists can enhance their negotiations by considering their unique skills and local market conditions, ensuring they maximize their hourly compensation. In Searcy, the balance between higher hourly rates and traditional benefits is a key consideration for those in the profession.
More salary data for Searcy, 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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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