Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Redding, CA: $25.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Redding, CA runs $25.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Redding's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,248 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Massage therapists in Redding, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $25.84 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This hourly wage is reflective of the diverse employment settings for massage therapists, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, mobile practices, and hotel spas. For part-time workers who might operate three days a week, this rate translates into significant earning potential, with earnings varying greatly based on experience and specialty. Entry-level therapists may start around $17.49 per hour, while experienced practitioners can earn as much as $44.60 per hour. Understanding this range is crucial for individuals considering a career in massage therapy, whether they are just entering the field or looking to enhance their skills in Redding's competitive market.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.49 | $139.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.71 | $141.66 |
| Median (P50) | $25.84 | $206.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.70 | $237.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redding
Based on $25.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.84/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redding, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,007. With a cost-of-living index of 100.68 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redding.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redding
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,033.58 | $4,479 | $53,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $620.15 | $2,687 | $32,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.43 | $1,792 | $21,498 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Redding) | $25.84 |
| 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 Redding, CA earn a median of $53,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.10% above the California state average of $53,162.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.84/hr = $32,248/year (purchasing power: $32,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,746/year (purchasing power: $53,381).
CoL index: 100.684 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Redding grew 4.5% from $23.32/hr (2019) to $24.37/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.40/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 Redding 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 Redding
When examining the financial landscape for massage therapists, part-time workers in Redding can take home a noteworthy income even while working fewer hours; for instance, a therapist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can earn approximately $32,144 annually, which is quite viable relative to many job markets. Per-diem and locum tenens therapists usually charge different rates; for example, a fill-in therapist in a spa might bill $25 to $40 per session, whereas self-employed professionals can command significantly higher fees of $80 to $150 per hour. These disparities highlight the negotiating leverage for those considering self-employment versus working for chains like Massage Envy or Elements, which might offer stability but lower pay. In Redding, additional benefits such as healthcare may factor into employment decisions, as some therapists opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits. Understanding these nuances enables aspiring massage therapists to make informed choices in their career development in Redding, CA.
More salary data for Redding, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Redding in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Redding?
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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 Redding. 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, 5-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