Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $22.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Riverside, CA runs $22.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,476 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $22.82, representing a significant gap compared to the national hourly median of $29.80. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this rate offers a viable income yet may limit earning potential compared to full-time employment. Many therapists find work in diverse settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, with hourly wages ranging from $17.49 for entry-level positions to $49.06 for top earners. These figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2025, projected to 2026, highlighting the pay structure for massage therapists in Riverside, CA.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.49 | $139.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.52 | $140.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.82 | $182.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.23 | $257.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.06 | $392.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $22.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.82/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,381. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.71 | $3,955 | $47,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.62 | $2,373 | $28,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.08 | $1,582 | $18,984 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Riverside) | $22.82 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $47,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.42% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 10.70% below the California state average of $53,146.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.82/hr = $28,476/year (purchasing power: $26,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,461/year (purchasing power: $44,588).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Riverside grew 22.8% from $17.53/hr (2019) to $21.52/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.19/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
Part-time massage therapists working 24 hours a week can earn around $28,282 annually, presenting a clear distinction from full-time peers; however, many opt for per-diem work, which can prove lucrative. Per diem massage therapist pay in Riverside can vary significantly based on the setting, ranging from $25 to $100 per session in chain spas, and up to $200 for mobile services. The diversity in employer types—including franchise chains like Massage Envy and self-employed practices—further influences the compensation landscape. Some therapists choose the stability of lower franchised hourly wages in exchange for benefits, while others venture into independent practice, where they could potentially earn between $80 and $150 per session. Effective negotiation can be essential for those entering the field, with tips focusing on understanding the local market and emphasizing unique skills or specializations to secure better hourly pay. This insight can be essential for aspiring and current therapists aiming to optimize their earning potential in Riverside.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Riverside. 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, 7-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