Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $25.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Pasadena, CA runs $25.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $25.77 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $29.80. For those working part-time or as per diem therapists in various settings—such as spas, chiropractic clinics, hotel treatment rooms, and mobile services—this rate can significantly impact their earnings. A typical part-time schedule of just three days a week can yield a comfortable income, especially when considering flexible options in locations like hotel spas or private home practices. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $14.94 per hour, while experienced professionals in high-demand areas might reach up to $39.93 per hour, making it essential for practitioners to assess the type of employment that fits their financial and professional goals.
About the Pasadena 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) | $14.94 | $119.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Median (P50) | $25.77 | $206.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.98 | $263.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.93 | $319.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $25.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.77/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,592 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,918. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,030.61 | $4,466 | $53,592 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $618.37 | $2,680 | $32,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $412.24 | $1,786 | $21,437 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Pasadena) | $25.77 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $53,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.54% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% above the California state average of $53,158.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.77/hr = $32,155/year (purchasing power: $28,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,592/year (purchasing power: $47,384).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Pasadena grew 36.5% from $17.80/hr (2019) to $24.30/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.32/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
For therapists considering part-time work, three days a week translates to roughly 24 hours, potentially leading to an annual income of around $29,657, compared to a full-time therapist’s earnings. The landscapes of per diem and agency work reveal nuances in pay, with therapists usually billing between $25 and $40 per session at chain spas, while mid-tier independents may charge $60 to $100. Those in mobile or in-home services often ask for $120 to $200. Different employer types, including franchised spas like Massage Envy and self-employed practices, significantly influence hourly wages, with self-employed therapists enjoying greater earning potential at the trade-off of stability. Negotiating effectively in Pasadena may mean weighing lower hourly wages against benefits, like healthcare, particularly for those seeking to secure consistent client bookings in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Pasadena?
Are massage therapists in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Pasadena?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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