Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $23.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Modesto, CA runs $23.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,860 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Modesto, California, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $23.13, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate can significantly influence the financial landscape for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For therapists working approximately three days a week, their compensation can range from entry-level positions that start around $17.49 per hour to seasoned professionals earning up to $37.15 per hour in this region. The variances in pay can stem from factors like experience, setting, and clientele, but the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights this hourly spectrum, emphasizing the need for massage therapists in Modesto to consider these figures when choosing how to structure their work.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.49 | $139.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.15 | $145.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.13 | $185.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.67 | $245.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.15 | $297.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $23.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.13/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,100 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,750. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $925.01 | $4,008 | $48,100 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $555.00 | $2,405 | $28,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.00 | $1,603 | $19,240 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Modesto) | $23.13 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $48,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.40% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 9.60% below the California state average of $53,203.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.13/hr = $28,860/year (purchasing power: $27,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,100/year (purchasing power: $46,202).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Modesto grew -16.6% from $26.14/hr (2019) to $21.81/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.52/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
When looking at part-time earnings, a massage therapist working three days a week for 24 hours could expect to take home around $28,000 annually, in contrast to their full-time counterparts who make considerably more. For those pursuing per diem positions, rates typically fluctuate between $25 and $40 per session at chain spas, with independent practices offering sessions at $60-$100 or more. Self-employed therapists can achieve even higher earnings, billing clients $80-$150 for a 60-minute session and mobile providers charging between $120 and $200. Hourly rates vary based on employer type; while franchise chains like Massage Envy may offer a lower wage, they provide consistent scheduling, unlike self-employed therapists who must manage their own bookings. Prospective therapists should weigh the benefits of employment packages, including health insurance at some facilities, against the higher pay rates available through independent practice. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers in Modesto include researching average pay rates within specific settings and leveraging experience or specialized skills in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Modesto 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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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