Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $25.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in San Clemente, CA runs $25.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,732 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Clemente, California, a massage therapist earns a median hourly rate of $25.43. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80, indicating a challenging wage environment for professionals in the area. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this rate translates to approximately $1,525 monthly, or about $18,300 annually, which can be a limiting factor for many. The hourly range for massage therapists in San Clemente varies significantly: entry-level positions start around $14.75, while experienced therapists at the top of their game can command up to $39.40 per hour. With a diverse array of workplaces—spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices—this salary reflects a range of employment types, each influencing how much one can make in this profession.
About the San Clemente 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) | $14.75 | $117.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.14 | $153.11 |
| Median (P50) | $25.43 | $203.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.54 | $260.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.40 | $315.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $25.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.43/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,511. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,017.04 | $4,407 | $52,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.22 | $2,644 | $31,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.82 | $1,763 | $21,154 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (San Clemente) | $25.43 |
| 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 Clemente, CA earn a median of $52,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.68% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.60% below the California state average of $53,200.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.43/hr = $31,732/year (purchasing power: $28,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,886/year (purchasing power: $46,760).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in San Clemente grew 36.5% from $17.57/hr (2019) to $23.98/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.96/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 Clemente 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 Clemente
Looking at the dynamics of per diem and self-employed massage therapists, there is potential for a more lucrative situation. Part-time therapists working three days a week might earn less than their full-time counterparts, but those who accept fill-in positions can make between $25 and $100 per session, depending on the type of practice and client base. Self-employed therapists often charge between $80 and $150 in cash-pay for an hour-long session, but they must navigate overhead costs and marketing challenges. Employers in San Clemente, ranging from franchise chains like Massage Envy to private practices, also affect hourly pay; franchise environments tend to offer lower rates but can provide consistent bookings. For those willing to negotiate, understanding the pay structure and benefits offered by different employer types can lead to better compensation, making it essential for massage therapists to actively assess their earning potential across varied employment opportunities.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in San Clemente in 2026?
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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 Clemente. 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 Clemente 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