Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $25.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $25.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,221 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Buenaventura, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $25.82 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This pay scale reflects the earnings potential for individuals working in various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into significant earnings, especially for those who may work in high-demand environments. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $15.57, while top earners in the field might see rates as high as $40.02 per hour. For professionals who want flexible work schedules, understanding this pay range is crucial to making informed choices about employment opportunities in the area.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $15.57 | $124.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.66 | $157.26 |
| Median (P50) | $25.82 | $206.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.05 | $264.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.02 | $320.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $25.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.82/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,982. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,032.73 | $4,475 | $53,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $619.64 | $2,685 | $32,221 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.09 | $1,790 | $21,481 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (San Buenaventura) | $25.82 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $53,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.35% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.00% above the California state average of $53,171.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.82/hr = $32,221/year (purchasing power: $28,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,702/year (purchasing power: $47,482).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in San Buenaventura grew 36.5% from $17.84/hr (2019) to $24.35/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.38/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
Reviewing the earning potential for part-time massage therapists reveals a stark contrast between full-time and per-diem work. A therapist working three days a week at 24 hours could take home about $32,486 annually, which is ideal for individuals seeking work-life balance. Conversely, per-diem massage therapists often earn between $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments and can command $60 to $100 in more independent settings. Self-employed therapists, particularly those who focus on private practice or in-home services, can charge between $80 and $150 for a one-hour session, significantly boosting their income if they can maintain a steady client base. While some therapists may choose to take lower hourly rates in exchange for job stability and benefits at franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, others may prefer pursuing self-employed pathways that offer higher earnings potential despite the associated risks. Understanding these dynamics can assist those in the field when negotiating their hourly pay and deciding on the best fit for their professional goals in massage therapy in San Buenaventura, CA.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in San Buenaventura in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in San Buenaventura?
Are massage therapists in San Buenaventura paid hourly or salary?
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Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in San Buenaventura?
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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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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