Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $25.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in San Rafael, CA runs $25.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $25.93 in 2026, which is below the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate can significantly impact both part-time and per-diem workers, who commonly find employment in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports medicine practices, and mobile in-home services. For a therapist working three days a week, this hourly rate could translate to approximately $41,000 annually before taxes, providing a decent income for those balancing other commitments or pursuing various opportunities. The hourly range for massage therapists in this area starts at $15.05 (P10) for entry-level positions and can go up to $40.21 (P90) for more experienced practitioners, showing a wide spectrum of earning potential along with variations based on location and employer types.
About the San Rafael 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) | $15.05 | $120.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.17 | $153.36 |
| Median (P50) | $25.93 | $207.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.20 | $265.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.21 | $321.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $25.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.93/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,122. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,037.40 | $4,495 | $53,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.44 | $2,697 | $32,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.96 | $1,798 | $21,578 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (San Rafael) | $25.93 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $53,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.95% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.50% above the California state average of $53,153.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.93/hr = $32,367/year (purchasing power: $28,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,945/year (purchasing power: $47,696).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in San Rafael grew 36.5% from $17.92/hr (2019) to $24.46/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.50/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Exploring the earning dynamics for massage therapists in San Rafael sheds light on the varied realities of the profession. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week can take home around $41,000 annually, while full-time practitioners can earn significantly more. Per diem massage therapist pay in San Rafael also varies widely; those in chain day spas may earn between $25 and $40 per session, whereas independent therapists can charge $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session, especially if they cater to clients directly. The contrast in earnings often depends on the employment setting—spas typically offer lower hourly wages with benefits, while self-employed therapists earn higher rates but must manage costs and self-marketing. For therapists looking to negotiate their pay, understanding these dynamics as well as the specific demands and expectations of different employers can lead to better outcomes.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in San Rafael in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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