Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,539 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,520 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Hawthorne, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.26, which lags behind the national median of $29.80. This disparity may influence part-time workers, such as those operating a flexible schedule of three days a week, as well as per-diem professionals who divide their time among various treatment settings like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. For those just entering the profession, hourly earnings can start at around $14.65, while experienced practitioners can command up to $39.15 per hour. The sizable range indicates that earnings can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and the type of employer, reflecting the diverse nature of massage therapy practice in the region.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $14.65 | $117.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.37 | $154.97 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.33 | $258.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.15 | $313.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,308. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.25 | $4,378 | $52,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.15 | $2,627 | $31,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.10 | $1,751 | $21,013 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Hawthorne) | $25.26 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $52,539 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% below the California state average of $53,177.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,520/year (purchasing power: $27,869).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,533/year (purchasing power: $46,448).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Hawthorne grew 36.5% from $17.45/hr (2019) to $23.82/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.78/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
When considering a part-time schedule, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week could take home around $31,525 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time colleague earning a consistent paycheck. Per diem massage therapists in Hawthorne may normally charge between $25 and $40 per session in chain spas, while independent practitioners could see rates from $60 to $100 per session. Notably, self-employed therapists may earn significantly more, with cash-pay sessions raking in $80 to $150 for a standard hour, and mobile services attracting $120 to $200. These differences in massage therapist hourly pay in Hawthorne reflect varying employer types—ranging from franchises like Massage Envy to self-practice setups—each with its own balance of job security, income potential, and benefits. Therapists considering their options should also weigh the lower hourly wages often offered by employers who provide health insurance against potentially higher rates but without benefits as independent practitioners.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Hawthorne?
Are massage therapists in Hawthorne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Hawthorne?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hawthorne?
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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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