Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Davis, CA: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Davis, CA runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,461 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Davis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,872 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Davis, California, the typical massage therapist earns an hourly wage of $24.74, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This pay scale affects both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings, including spas, chiropractic offices, and even home-based private practices. For those working part-time at three days a week, the income reflects a steady yet modest compensation, while per-diem roles can yield variable earnings based on client volume and settings. Hourly wages range from $14.41 for entry-level therapists to $38.35 for top earners, providing a spectrum of opportunities based on experience and specialization. These figures project a clear view of the earnings potential for massage therapists in the area, considering the overhead associated with different working environments.
About the Davis 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) | $14.41 | $115.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.36 | $146.92 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.67 | $253.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.35 | $306.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davis
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davis, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,453 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,684. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Davis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.47 | $4,288 | $51,453 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.68 | $2,573 | $30,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.79 | $1,715 | $20,581 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Davis) | $24.74 |
| 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 Davis, CA earn a median of $51,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.96% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the California state average of $53,162.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,872/year (purchasing power: $27,296).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,453/year (purchasing power: $45,493).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Davis grew 36.5% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $23.33/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.23/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 Davis 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 Davis
Despite the seemingly low hourly pay for massage therapists in Davis, there are multiple factors that influence actual earnings, especially for those considering part-time positions. A therapist working three days a week, for instance, can expect to earn around $38,968 annually, compared to full-time peers. Per-diem therapists often charge between $25 to $40 per session at chains like Massage Envy, and can see earnings soar to $80-$150 in cash-pay scenarios for self-employed practitioners. These variances reflect the distinct dynamics across employer types in Davis, where franchised spas generally offer less-secure income than independent practices, but may include benefits like health insurance. Strategies for negotiation are vital; understanding the regional market can help therapists secure better rates, whether they prefer a steady location or the flexibility of mobile services.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Davis in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Davis?
Are massage therapists in Davis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Davis?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Davis?
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 Davis. 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 Davis 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