Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Upland, CA: $24.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Upland, CA runs $24.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Upland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $24.73, which is notably below the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This disparity indicates that while local therapists can earn a reliable income, those working in Upland may need to adjust their financial expectations compared to the broader market. For part-time therapists working three days a week, that rate translates to a modest paycheck, which can still be viable depending on their client load and chosen practice setting. Typical working environments, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, offer varying hourly pay ranges. Entry-level therapists can start at around $14.34, while experienced professionals may command up to $38.32 per hour, reflecting the skill levels and services offered. These figures illustrate the dynamic nature of the massage therapy field in Upland, CA.
About the Upland 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) | $14.34 | $114.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.33 | $146.66 |
| Median (P50) | $24.73 | $197.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.65 | $253.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.32 | $306.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Upland
Based on $24.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.73/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Upland, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,430 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,671. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Upland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Upland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.05 | $4,286 | $51,430 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.43 | $2,572 | $30,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.62 | $1,714 | $20,572 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Upland) | $24.73 |
| 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 Upland, CA earn a median of $51,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.03% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.30% below the California state average of $53,178.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.73/hr = $30,858/year (purchasing power: $27,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,430/year (purchasing power: $45,473).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Upland grew 36.5% from $17.08/hr (2019) to $23.32/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.22/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 Upland 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 Upland
Exploring the practical implications of part-time and per-diem work can reveal much about earning potential in this field. A massage therapist working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, can earn approximately $29,150 annually based on the median hourly pay. In contrast, full-time therapists typically see significantly higher yearly earnings. Per diem arrangements offer a different set of opportunities, where therapists work on a session basis, earning anywhere from $25-$40 at chain spas to up to $150 or more for self-employed cash-pay sessions. For those considering employment options in Upland, rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer. Franchise chains like Massage Envy generally pay less than independent practices, but they provide a stable schedule. Some therapists may prioritize health benefits associated with lower hourly rates, while others might opt for self-employment, where higher earnings come with greater financial responsibility. Negotiation skills are essential in this sector, helping professionals secure favorable terms that reflect their experience and expertise.
More salary data for Upland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Upland in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Upland?
Are massage therapists in Upland paid hourly or salary?
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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 Upland. 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 Upland 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