Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $26.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $26.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,329 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Clarita, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $26.12, reflecting a notable difference when compared to the national hourly median of $29.80. For those working part-time, such as a three-day workweek, this translates into an annual salary of approximately $32,201, underscoring the financial realities faced by therapists who may prefer flexible schedules or part-time opportunities. Freelancers and per-diem massage therapists often find themselves in varied environments, from upscale spa treatment rooms to chiropractic clinics and even mobile or home-based practices. The hourly rate range for massage therapists in the area varies significantly; entry-level practitioners may start at around $15.15 while experienced professionals can earn up to $40.48 per hour depending on their client base and practice setting.
About the Santa Clarita 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) | $15.15 | $121.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.36 | $154.89 |
| Median (P50) | $26.12 | $208.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.43 | $267.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.48 | $323.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $26.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.12/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,338. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,044.61 | $4,527 | $54,320 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.76 | $2,716 | $32,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.84 | $1,811 | $21,728 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Santa Clarita) | $26.12 |
| 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 Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $54,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.34% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% above the California state average of $53,159.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.12/hr = $32,592/year (purchasing power: $28,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,320/year (purchasing power: $48,028).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Santa Clarita grew 36.5% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $24.63/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.69/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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita
Analyzing the earnings potential for part-time massage therapists in Santa Clarita can provide insight into the trade-offs in this profession. Within a typical week, working around 24 hours, a therapist might generate a modest income, particularly if they choose to work for a chain like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, where per diem rates might be around $25-$40 per session. Conversely, self-employed therapists can charge between $80-$150 for a 60-minute session, capitalizing on a lucrative cash-pay model that, while requiring self-promotion and managing expenses, often results in higher hourly satisfaction. Employment settings also dictate pay scales; self-employed practitioners may earn significantly more than those in traditional roles, though they forfeit the security that comes with benefits offered by larger employers. Therapists in Santa Clarita should consider their priorities—whether seeking the security of consistent bookings at lower hourly rates or the higher potential earnings available for independent practice. Negotiation strategies, such as emphasizing flexibility or establishing a loyal client base, can help therapists optimize their massage therapist hourly rate CA while balancing their professional aspirations with personal lifestyle choices.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita 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