Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $26.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Sacramento, CA runs $26.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,068 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $26.50, which reflects a notable dip compared to the national median of $29.80 per hour. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those operating in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports training facilities, and mobile setups. For individuals working just three days a week, a consistent schedule can provide a substantial income, especially as the hourly range spans from $17.61 for entry-level positions to $45.64 for experienced therapists. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data illustrates the financial landscape for massage therapists, showcasing a varied earning potential that caters to both employed and self-employed professionals, thereby laying the groundwork for many employment scenarios across the city.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.61 | $140.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.80 |
| Median (P50) | $26.50 | $211.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.19 | $257.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.64 | $365.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $26.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.50/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,114 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,796. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,059.88 | $4,593 | $55,114 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.93 | $2,756 | $33,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.95 | $1,837 | $22,045 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Sacramento) | $26.50 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $55,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.60% above the California state average of $53,199.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.50/hr = $33,068/year (purchasing power: $31,000).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,114/year (purchasing power: $51,667).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Sacramento grew 45.0% from $17.24/hr (2019) to $24.99/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.09/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Factors influencing the income potential of part-time massage therapists working in Sacramento reveal both opportunities and challenges. A therapist committed to a three-day workweek, offering around 24 hours of services, can expect an annual income that is significantly below that of a full-time therapist, leading to a lower overall financial outlook. Additionally, per-diem massage therapists can charge varying rates, which can be anywhere from $25 to $100 per session in chain settings, while independent therapists often command between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session. Work environments also dictate pay disparities; therapists in franchise chains typically earn less than their self-employed counterparts. Sacrificing a higher hourly wage for the consistency of work and benefits often presents a trade-off that many professionals must consider. In Sacramento's competitive market, negotiating terms is crucial, and demonstrating value can lead to improved pay situations, particularly for those keen on breaking away from lower-paying chains.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 Sacramento. 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