Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $29.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Durango, CO runs $29.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,826 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durango, Colorado, massage therapists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.51, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate provides a foundation for part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in various settings such as spas, chiropractic offices, sports training facilities, or mobile practices. For therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earning potential, especially considering the entry-level positions can start around $19.28 per hour while experienced professionals may command rates as high as $45.73. These figures indicate the diverse opportunities available in the field, with many practitioners enhancing their work hours through flexible arrangements suited to their lifestyles and commitments.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.28 | $154.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.29 | $186.36 |
| Median (P50) | $29.51 | $236.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.71 | $301.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.73 | $365.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $29.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $61,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,410. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.33 | $5,115 | $61,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.20 | $3,069 | $36,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.13 | $2,046 | $24,551 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Durango) | $29.51 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $61,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $65,496.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.51/hr = $36,826/year (purchasing power: $35,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,377/year (purchasing power: $58,454).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Durango grew 36.5% from $20.39/hr (2019) to $27.83/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.29/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 Durango 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 Durango
For therapists considering part-time opportunities, a schedule of just three days a week could yield a net income that still competes favorably with full-time work, depending on the number of clients seen per shift. Per-diem or agency massage therapists in Durango often earn between $25 to $40 per session at larger chains or around $80 to $150 when self-employed, especially if they provide in-home massage services. Hourly pay can fluctuate significantly based on the employment setting; therapists working in high-demand areas such as upscale hotels or independent clinics may see higher compensation, while franchise environments may offer lower hourly rates. Therapists must weigh these variances against benefits like health insurance typically offered by larger employers. Effective negotiation is essential in this market, with practitioners encouraged to articulate their value based on experience and specialization, whether they are navigating a franchise employment model or establishing a solo practice.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Durango in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Durango?
Are massage therapists in Durango paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Durango?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Durango?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Durango. 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 Durango 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