Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Indio, CA: $25.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Indio, CA runs $25.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Indio's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Indio, California, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $25.10, which lags behind the national median of $29.80. This rate can have significant implications for those working part-time or as per-diem therapists in local settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile practices. For example, a massage therapist working three days a week may find this hourly pay translates to around $48,000 annually, depending on the number of hours worked. Entry-level practitioners can expect to earn as little as $15.11 per hour, while experienced therapists can command up to $38.90 per hour. As the field continues to grow at an annual rate of 6.03%, aspiring massage therapists should consider the financial landscape when assessing their career pathways in this vibrant city.
About the Indio 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) | $15.11 | $120.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.05 | $152.43 |
| Median (P50) | $25.10 | $200.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.13 | $257.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.90 | $311.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indio
Based on $25.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.10/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indio, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,202 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,117. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Indio.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indio
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,003.89 | $4,350 | $52,202 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.34 | $2,610 | $31,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.56 | $1,740 | $20,881 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Indio) | $25.10 |
| 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 Indio, CA earn a median of $52,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.76% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.80% below the California state average of $53,163.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.10/hr = $31,321/year (purchasing power: $27,694).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,202/year (purchasing power: $46,156).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Indio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Indio grew 36.5% from $17.34/hr (2019) to $23.67/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.61/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 Indio 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 Indio
The earning potential for part-time massage therapists in Indio is interesting to analyze. If working a typical 24-hour week at the prevailing hourly pay, one could take home approximately $48,000 per year, which might be attractive compared to a full-time income. For per-diem or agency workers, pay structures vary widely based on location and clientele. Chain spas typically offer $25 to $40 per session, while upscale independent practices may bill $60-$100 per session for mid-tier services. Self-employed therapists can significantly raise their hourly earnings, often charging $80-$150 for a session, but they also incur the burden of self-marketing and overhead costs. Various employers, such as resorts and wellness clinics, impact wages; spa franchises often provide more stable bookings but lower pay compared to self-employed individuals who might earn more per service but lack job security. Negotiating for better rates within in-demand spaces can enhance earnings and importantly, therapists should assess potential benefits and scheduling flexibility when weighing employment options in the local market.
More salary data for Indio, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Indio 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 Indio. 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 Indio 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