Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $25.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $25.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,248 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $25.84, which reflects the unique job market of the region. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $29.80, indicating a specific local economic context where part-time or per-diem workers may earn between $14.98 and $40.05 per hour. For someone working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into varying levels of financial stability, especially as they engage in diverse employment settings, from upscale spas to private practice rooms and mobile services. The range of earnings generally reflects experience and client base, with entry-level positions starting toward the lower end and seasoned professionals or those in high-demand venues potentially reaching the upper limits of the scale.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $14.98 | $119.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.97 | $151.75 |
| Median (P50) | $25.84 | $206.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.07 | $264.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.05 | $320.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $25.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.84/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,007. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,033.58 | $4,479 | $53,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $620.15 | $2,687 | $32,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.43 | $1,792 | $21,498 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Santa Monica) | $25.84 |
| 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 Monica, CA earn a median of $53,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.10% above the California state average of $53,159.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.84/hr = $32,248/year (purchasing power: $28,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,746/year (purchasing power: $47,521).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Santa Monica grew 36.5% from $17.85/hr (2019) to $24.37/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.40/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 Monica 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 Monica
Practicing as a part-time massage therapist earning $25.84 per hour for 24 hours a week generates an annual income of approximately $31,000, which may not compare favorably to full-time positions but can still support a modest lifestyle in Santa Monica. The per-diem massage therapist pay in this area varies significantly; those filling in at chain spas may charge between $25-$40 per session, while independent therapists can command between $80-$150 per session for cash-pay services, with mobile sessions reaching higher rates of up to $200. Interestingly, while franchise employment like Massage Envy may offer consistent work, self-employed therapists often enjoy a higher pay per client, albeit with increased overhead and responsibility. Negotiating rates can be a vital skill in this competitive environment, as many therapists must weigh the benefits of employment with health coverage against the more lucrative opportunities available for self-employed practices.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Santa Monica?
Are massage therapists in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Santa Monica?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Monica. 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 Monica 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