Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $23.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in San Diego, CA runs $23.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,754 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $23.04, which highlights a notable difference compared to the national median of $29.80. This wage creates a unique landscape for part-time and per-diem massage therapists working in typical environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile setups. For those committing to part-time schedules of three days a week, it can also translate into manageable earnings while balancing flexibility. With hourly pay ranging from $17.49 at the lower end to $46.55 for the top earners, professionals in this field can find opportunities across varied settings, including commercial spas, hotels, and private practices, based on official projections from 2025 BLS data.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.49 | $139.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.23 | $145.81 |
| Median (P50) | $23.04 | $184.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.64 | $365.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.55 | $372.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $23.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.04/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,924 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,648. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $921.61 | $3,994 | $47,924 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.97 | $2,396 | $28,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.65 | $1,597 | $19,170 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (San Diego) | $23.04 |
| 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 Diego, CA earn a median of $47,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 9.90% below the California state average of $53,192.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.04/hr = $28,754/year (purchasing power: $25,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,924/year (purchasing power: $42,832).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in San Diego grew 43.5% from $15.14/hr (2019) to $21.73/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.43/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 Diego 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 Diego
When considering part-time earning potential, a therapist working 24 hours a week would take home around $28,539 annually at the median hourly pay, significantly less than a full-time role, yet still offering financial viability for those seeking a balance between work and personal time. As for per-diem roles in San Diego, therapists often charge rates that can vary widely: from approximately $25 to $100 per session at chain spas and $80 to $200 for self-employed and mobile work. The type of employer greatly influences hourly wages; for instance, franchise chains like Massage Envy typically pay less than independent practices that provide flexible cash-pay options. Many professionals must weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly rates with benefits versus the higher earnings potential of self-employment, which requires self-promotion and covers all business expenses. Negotiation skills are essential, particularly in a competitive market like San Diego, where adequate preparation and a clear understanding of the industry's pay trends can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for San Diego, 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 San Diego. 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