Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Yuba City, CA: $25.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Yuba City, CA runs $25.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Yuba City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Yuba City, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $25.36, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This rate plays a significant role for those working part-time in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and even mobile setups. Massage therapists who work three days a week can arrange their schedules to support their income needs while enjoying a better work-life balance. The hourly pay range in Yuba City extends from $14.72 for entry-level positions to as high as $39.32 for more experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in settings including sports teams or home-based practices. The figures reflect estimates based on annual salary data adjusted for part-time and per-diem roles, providing insight into the flexibility and earning potential in this profession.
About the Yuba City 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) | $14.72 | $117.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.58 | $156.67 |
| Median (P50) | $25.36 | $202.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.47 | $259.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yuba City
Based on $25.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.36/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yuba City, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,435. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yuba City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yuba City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,014.50 | $4,396 | $52,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.70 | $2,638 | $31,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.80 | $1,758 | $21,101 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Yuba City) | $25.36 |
| 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 Yuba City, CA earn a median of $52,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.86% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the California state average of $53,188.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.36/hr = $31,652/year (purchasing power: $27,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,754/year (purchasing power: $46,643).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Yuba City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Yuba City grew 36.5% from $17.52/hr (2019) to $23.92/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.89/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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City
Across Yuba City, part-time massage therapists bringing in an estimated hourly rate can yield annual earnings significantly different from full-time professionals. A therapist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would roughly take home $30,000 annually, while full-timers can expect more robust earnings given extended client hours. Per diem massage therapist pay in Yuba City varies, with those in chain spas often billing $25-$40 per session, and independent therapists potentially charging $80-$150 for a focused one-hour treatment. Self-employed professionals can command rates even higher when doing mobile work, where a single session can garner $120-$200. With variations across employer types—ranging from franchise chains like Massage Envy to independent practices—the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits becomes apparent. Therapists in chains may accept lower pay for job stability and benefits, while independent therapists enjoy greater earning potential but face higher overhead costs and self-marketing needs. Negotiation skills are essential for those aiming to maximize their hourly rate, regardless of whether they are part of a franchise, a collaborative team, or self-employed.
More salary data for Yuba City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Yuba City in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Yuba City?
Are massage therapists in Yuba City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Yuba City?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Yuba City?
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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 Yuba City. 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 Yuba City 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