Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Burbank, CA: $25.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Burbank, CA runs $25.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Burbank's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,507 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burbank, California, massage therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $25.25, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This wage makes a career in massage therapy attractive yet challenging, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers balancing schedules across various environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and hotel spas. With an hourly pay range extending from $14.64 for entry-level positions to $39.14 for top earners, it's important for those in this profession to consider the diversity of settings available. Hourly estimates often stem from annual salary data, creating a framework that highlights both the opportunities and limitations within the market for massage therapist hourly pay in Burbank.
About the Burbank 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) | $14.64 | $117.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.18 | $145.47 |
| Median (P50) | $25.25 | $201.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.32 | $258.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.14 | $313.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burbank
Based on $25.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.25/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burbank, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,511 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,295. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burbank.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burbank
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,009.83 | $4,376 | $52,511 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.90 | $2,626 | $31,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.93 | $1,750 | $21,004 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Burbank) | $25.25 |
| 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 Burbank, CA earn a median of $52,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.26% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% below the California state average of $53,156.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.25/hr = $31,507/year (purchasing power: $27,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,511/year (purchasing power: $46,429).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Burbank grew 36.5% from $17.44/hr (2019) to $23.81/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.77/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 Burbank 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 Burbank
For therapists working part-time three days a week, their earnings can vary significantly. A professional committed to 24 hours of work per week would see annual earnings that are substantially lower compared to a full-time schedule, providing insight into their financial trajectory. Per diem massage therapists in Burbank may bill between $25 to $40 per session at chains like Massage Envy, reaching $60 to $100 in mid-tier independent setups. Self-employed therapists often enjoy higher income potential, charging cash-pay rates of $80 to $150 for each 60-minute session. The variability in hourly rates across different employer types in Burbank also points to a trade-off; while spa franchises might provide more consistent work, they often compensate less than private practice or mobile setups, which offer higher rates but come with the responsibility of overhead costs. Understanding these dynamics is critical for massage therapists navigating pay negotiations and determining their best fit in Burbank’s vibrant massage therapy market.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Burbank in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Burbank?
Are massage therapists in Burbank paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Burbank?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Burbank?
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 Burbank. 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 Burbank 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