Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $25.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $25.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,340 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Rancho Cucamonga, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $25.91, which trails the national average of $29.80. This disparity in pay reflects the various settings where these professionals operate, ranging from spas and chiropractic clinics to in-home practices. For part-time massage therapists working three days a week (around 24 hours), the earnings can be substantial, allowing for flexibility while still generating a reasonable income. The hourly rates for massage therapy in this city range from $15.04 at entry-level positions to $40.16 for top earners, providing a potential for varied earnings based on experience, specialization, and work settings. These figures are derived from annual salary data, showcasing how diverse the opportunities are for massage therapists across different environments in Rancho Cucamonga.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $15.04 | $120.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.85 | $158.79 |
| Median (P50) | $25.91 | $207.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.17 | $265.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.16 | $321.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $25.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.91/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,096. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.55 | $4,492 | $53,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.93 | $2,695 | $32,340 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.62 | $1,797 | $21,560 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Rancho Cucamonga) | $25.91 |
| 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 Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $53,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.03% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% above the California state average of $53,157.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.91/hr = $32,340/year (purchasing power: $28,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,901/year (purchasing power: $47,657).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Rancho Cucamonga grew 36.5% from $17.90/hr (2019) to $24.44/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.48/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 Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga
Analyzing the earning potential reveals the financial realities for both part-time and per-diem therapists. A massage therapist working three days a week can expect to take home about $32,000 annually, while full-time positions typically see higher earnings, aligning with more consistent booking and scheduling. Per diem and agency therapists showcase flexibility in their pay structures, often billing clients anywhere from $25 to $40 per session at chain spas and as much as $120 to $200 for mobile in-home services. The variance in hourly rates typically reflects the type of employer—as franchise chains like Massage Envy might offer lower pay, while independent practices can provide higher rates but require therapists to manage their own marketing and overhead costs. Negotiation tactics can also play a role in securing a favorable hourly rate; understanding the local market, presenting credentials from associations like ABMP or AMTA, and highlighting specialized skills can significantly enhance earning potential for massage therapists in Rancho Cucamonga.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are massage therapists in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Rancho Cucamonga. 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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