Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $32.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Chico, CA runs $32.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,267 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chico, California, massage therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $32.26, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This favorable pay rate supports those seeking part-time opportunities, particularly in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, where part-time workers typically operate on a schedule of three days a week. For those working in less conventional setups like mobile or in-home services, this hourly pay can also lead to lucrative earnings. The hourly pay scale in Chico ranges from $22.17 for entry-level positions to $51.01 for experienced professionals, showcasing the potential for growth in this career path, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.17 | $177.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.19 | $225.55 |
| Median (P50) | $32.26 | $258.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.22 | $385.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.01 | $408.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $32.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.26/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,718. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.60 | $5,593 | $67,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.36 | $3,356 | $40,267 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.24 | $2,237 | $26,844 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Chico) | $32.26 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $67,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.28% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 26.20% above the California state average of $53,175.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.26/hr = $40,267/year (purchasing power: $39,790).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,111/year (purchasing power: $66,317).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$11.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+188.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $11.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Chico grew 156.4% from $11.87/hr (2019) to $30.43/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.21/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 Chico 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 Chico
Working part-time as a massage therapist in Chico can yield substantial annual earnings, even on a reduced schedule of 24 hours per week. For instance, a therapist working three days weekly at the median hourly wage would net approximately $50,000 annually, a comfortable income compared to many other professions. Per diem arrangements within this field can vary widely, with therapists in chain locations earning between $25 and $40 per session, while independent providers typically charge between $80 and $150 for an hour-long treatment. Moreover, the type of employer plays a significant role in hourly compensation, with franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone offering lower wages but steadier bookings compared to the higher rates self-employed therapists command, albeit with potential gaps in client flow. While some therapists may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the associated benefits such as health insurance, others successfully negotiate higher pay by emphasizing their flexible availability and experience.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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 Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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