Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in El Monte, CA: $26.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in El Monte, CA runs $26.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,559 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against El Monte's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Monte, California, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $26.23, which is notably less than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This discrepancy can impact the financial outlook for part-time workers, such as those who operate three days a week, as well as per-diem professionals in diverse settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and even hotel spas. The hourly pay range varies significantly, starting at $15.22 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $40.65 for highly experienced practitioners. This data reflects estimates derived from annual salary figures, providing a foundation for understanding income expectations within the profession in El Monte and the broader context within California.
About the El Monte 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) | $15.22 | $121.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Median (P50) | $26.23 | $209.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.58 | $268.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.65 | $325.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Monte
Based on $26.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.23/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Monte, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,478. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Monte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Monte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,049.27 | $4,547 | $54,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.56 | $2,728 | $32,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.71 | $1,819 | $21,825 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (El Monte) | $26.23 |
| 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 El Monte, CA earn a median of $54,559 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.97% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.60% above the California state average of $53,176.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.23/hr = $32,737/year (purchasing power: $28,945).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,562/year (purchasing power: $48,242).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in El Monte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in El Monte grew 36.5% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $24.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.81/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 El Monte 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 El Monte
When considering part-time employment, massage therapists working only 24 hours a week could expect a different financial experience compared to their full-time counterparts. A part-time therapist might take home around $32,000 annually, while a full-time schedule could yield significantly higher earnings. In addition, per-diem massage therapists in El Monte often bill between $25 and $40 per session through spas, while independent therapists can command $80 to $150 per 60-minute session, depending on their clientele and service style. Various employer settings influence these rates; for example, franchise chains like Massage Envy typically offer lower pay compared to self-employed practices. Many professionals face a decision between accepting lower hourly pay with benefits versus opting for higher pay without them. Understanding negotiating strategies can help practitioners secure better compensation for their skills in El Monte's competitive market.
More salary data for El Monte, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in El Monte in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in El Monte?
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How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in El Monte?
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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 El Monte. 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 El Monte 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