Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $26.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Fontana, CA runs $26.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $26.58, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This rate provides an interesting backdrop for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile practices. For therapists working three days per week, this rate translates to approximately $2,132 a month, making the profession accessible for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly pay varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $15.42 and top earners being able to make as much as $41.20 an hour. Such variability reflects the diversity of employment opportunities within Fontana, where therapists can find roles in local spas, sports team training rooms, and even luxurious hotel settings.
About the Fontana 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) | $15.42 | $123.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.11 |
| Median (P50) | $26.58 | $212.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.03 | $272.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.20 | $329.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $26.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.58/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,898. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,063.27 | $4,607 | $55,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.96 | $2,764 | $33,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.31 | $1,843 | $22,116 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Fontana) | $26.58 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $55,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.78% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% above the California state average of $53,170.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.58/hr = $33,174/year (purchasing power: $29,332).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,290/year (purchasing power: $48,886).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Fontana grew 36.5% from $18.37/hr (2019) to $25.07/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.18/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
For part-time massage therapists, earning potential can be appealing but comes with trade-offs. Working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can yield about $25,584 annually, significantly less than what full-time therapists can make, leading to financial considerations for those balancing multiple roles. Per-diem massage therapists must also navigate a dynamic pay structure, often billing $25 to $40 per session at franchises like Massage Envy, while independent practitioners may charge $80 to $150 for a one-hour session. Hourly rates will vary widely depending on the setting; those employed full-time in a health facility may receive benefits like health insurance, which often come at the cost of a lower hourly wage compared to independent, self-employed massage therapists. Negotiation tips for Fontana's massage therapists include emphasizing their skills, experience, and the benefits of maintaining flexible schedules, thus allowing them to capitalize on varied employment opportunities while maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Fontana in 2026?
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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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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