Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Thousand Oaks, CA: $25.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Thousand Oaks, CA runs $25.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,054 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Thousand Oaks's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thousand Oaks, California, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected at $25.51 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $29.80 per hour. This rate indicates substantial earning potential for those working part-time or in per-diem positions commonly found in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and sporting venues. For therapists working three days per week, the number reflects moderate incomes while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level massage therapists can expect hourly wages around $15.32, while established professionals may reach as high as $39.54. These hourly estimates, rooted in annual salary projections, highlight a broad range of earnings reflective of experience, specialization, and employment setting.
About the Thousand Oaks 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) | $15.32 | $122.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.30 | $154.38 |
| Median (P50) | $25.51 | $204.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.65 | $261.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.54 | $316.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thousand Oaks
Based on $25.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thousand Oaks, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,613. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thousand Oaks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thousand Oaks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,020.43 | $4,422 | $53,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.26 | $2,653 | $31,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.17 | $1,769 | $21,225 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Thousand Oaks) | $25.51 |
| 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 Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $53,054 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.39% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.20% below the California state average of $53,161.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.51/hr = $31,838/year (purchasing power: $28,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,063/year (purchasing power: $46,916).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Thousand Oaks grew 36.5% from $17.63/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.05/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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time therapists in Thousand Oaks, a professional working just three days a week and billing around 24 hours might take home approximately $31,539 annually. In contrast, the per-diem model shows varied compensation dynamics. For instance, a per-diem massage therapist can charge between $25 and $40 for services at chain establishments, while rates significantly increase in private practice settings, where therapists often earn anywhere from $80 to $150 per 60-minute session. Different types of employers also affect pay—resort spas may offer lower hourly wages but can provide consistent client flow, whereas self-employed practitioners enjoy higher rates and full control over their schedules. Therapists must also balance the choice between lower-paying but benefit-providing franchise jobs compared to the higher pay of private practices without perks. For those negotiating their hourly rates, emphasizing specialized skills and building a strong client base can be critical in maximizing earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Thousand Oaks in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Thousand Oaks?
Are massage therapists in Thousand Oaks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Thousand Oaks?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Thousand Oaks?
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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 Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks 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