Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $22.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Anaheim, CA runs $22.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,185 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $22.58, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate reflects the income potential for therapists working in various settings such as spas, physical therapy clinics, and mobile practices. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, the financial outlook varies. A therapist working three days a week in Anaheim might earn around $1,200 monthly based on approximately 24 hours of work, while entry-level therapists might earn as little as $13.09 per hour and up to $35.01 for the most experienced within a competitive environment. These figures reveal a diverse range across the hourly spectrum, indicating potential earnings aligned with different employment scenarios and skill levels.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.09 | $104.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.27 | $130.12 |
| Median (P50) | $22.58 | $180.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.90 | $231.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.01 | $280.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $22.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.58/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $46,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,101. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.38 | $3,915 | $46,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.03 | $2,349 | $28,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.35 | $1,566 | $18,790 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Anaheim) | $22.58 |
| 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 Anaheim, CA earn a median of $46,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.20% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 11.70% below the California state average of $53,201.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.58/hr = $28,185/year (purchasing power: $24,921).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,976/year (purchasing power: $41,535).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Anaheim grew 36.5% from $15.60/hr (2019) to $21.30/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.95/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 Anaheim 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 Anaheim
Examining the earning landscape for massage therapy in Anaheim reveals unique considerations for both part-time and per-diem therapists. A part-time therapist working three days a week could earn approximately $14,400 annually, while diligent full-time practitioners often surpass this threshold, depending on their clientele and working hours. Per-diem massage therapists typically charge between $25 and $40 per session at chain establishments, and self-employed therapists can command between $80 and $150 for an hour-long session. This disparity is further influenced by factors like employment type; therapists in franchises like Massage Envy may see lower hourly compensation compared to self-employed practitioners who bear greater overhead costs. When negotiating pay, professionals should focus on the total benefits package, as franchise employment often comes with health insurance and steadier bookings. Those operating their own practices in Anaheim must remain mindful of market rates and the value of their services to appropriately price their offerings.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Anaheim?
Are massage therapists in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Anaheim?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
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 Anaheim. 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 Anaheim 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