Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $25.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Murrieta, CA runs $25.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,064 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $25.51 in 2026, which is below the national hourly median of $29.80. This difference may impact part-time and per-diem workers who often take on roles in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports teams, and home-based practices. For those working three days a week, the hourly earnings reflect a considerable chunk of their income, making it vital for these therapists to maintain efficient schedules that align with demand. Entry-level massage therapists in Murrieta can expect to earn around $15.00 per hour, while the top earners could reach up to $39.54 per hour. The projected hourly rates indicate that, even though the local field is growing, competitive compensation remains a challenge for many practitioners in this region.
About the Murrieta 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) | $15.00 | $120.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Median (P50) | $25.51 | $204.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.66 | $261.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.54 | $316.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $25.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,613. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,020.43 | $4,422 | $53,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.26 | $2,653 | $31,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.17 | $1,769 | $21,225 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Murrieta) | $25.51 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $53,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.38% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.20% below the California state average of $53,170.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.51/hr = $31,838/year (purchasing power: $28,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,063/year (purchasing power: $46,916).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Murrieta grew 36.5% from $17.63/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.05/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
For those considering a part-time route, working 24 hours a week can yield a take-home pay that varies considerably compared to full-time positions, ultimately affecting annual earnings. Per-diem massage therapists working through agencies tend to charge between $25 to $40 per session at chain spas, potentially climbing to $60-$100 in more upscale, independent settings. Self-employed therapists can command rates as high as $150 per hour for cash-pay clients, especially in one-on-one mobile sessions or private practices, although they must manage their own marketing and overhead costs. Employment at larger chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone often means lower pay but guaranteed bookings. When negotiating pay, it's important for massage therapists in Murrieta to consider the benefits associated with full-time positions—such as health insurance—against the higher hourly rates available in solo practice or freelance roles.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Murrieta?
Are massage therapists in Murrieta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Murrieta?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Murrieta?
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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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