Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $26.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Torrance, CA runs $26.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,086 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,446 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $26.00, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly wage provides a decent foundation for both full-time and part-time practitioners, especially those working in various environments like well-established spas, therapy clinics, hotels, and even through mobile services. For those in part-time roles, working three days a week, this translates to steady income without the expectation of full-time commitment. The pay scales vary significantly within Torrance, with entry-level positions earning around $15.08 per hour, while top earners in the field can reach up to $40.30 per hour based on their experience and client base. This structure reflects the diverse opportunities available in the profession, from being self-employed to working as a per-diem massage therapist.
About the Torrance 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) | $15.08 | $120.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.80 |
| Median (P50) | $26.00 | $207.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $26.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.00/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,077 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,198. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,039.94 | $4,506 | $54,077 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $623.97 | $2,704 | $32,446 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.98 | $1,803 | $21,631 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Torrance) | $26.00 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $54,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% above the California state average of $53,182.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.00/hr = $32,446/year (purchasing power: $28,688).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,077/year (purchasing power: $47,813).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Torrance grew 36.5% from $17.96/hr (2019) to $24.52/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.57/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
Looking more closely at the earnings potential within this sector, part-time therapists averaging 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $32,448 annually, a figure that may be appealing compared to full-time counterparts, depending on their financial needs and job security preferences. For per-diem massage therapists in Torrance, pay rates typically range from $25 to $100 per session depending on service levels—chain environments tend toward the lower end, while those with established independent practices can command significantly higher fees, especially for cash-pay clients. Facilities such as chiropractic clinics, sports medicine practices, and hospital settings often provide baseline benefits, which can draw therapists who may accept lower hourly compensation in exchange for health coverage. Negotiation for hourly wages is crucial in this profession; therapists can benefit from presenting evidence of their experience and clientele to enhance their hourly rate whether they are seeking employment in a franchise setting or opting for self-employment where the earning potential may be significantly higher.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Torrance?
Are massage therapists in Torrance paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Torrance?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Torrance?
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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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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