Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $30.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lafayette, CO runs $30.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Lafayette, Colorado can expect a median hourly pay of $30.47, surpassing the national hourly median of $29.80. This hourly rate provides an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often find employment in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. For someone working part-time, typically around three days a week, this translates into steady income while allowing flexibility. The hourly earnings for massage therapists, however, can vary significantly, with entry-level positions beginning around $17.68 and experienced professionals earning up to $47.24 per hour. These projections, based on data derived from the 2025 BLS estimates, paint a promising picture for those seeking to balance work-life demands while pursuing their careers in this diverse and growing field.
About the Lafayette 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) | $17.68 | $141.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.71 | $189.67 |
| Median (P50) | $30.47 | $243.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.01 | $312.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.24 | $377.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $30.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.47/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,384 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,568. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.92 | $5,282 | $63,384 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.35 | $3,169 | $38,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.57 | $2,113 | $25,354 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lafayette) | $30.47 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $63,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $65,480.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.47/hr = $38,030/year (purchasing power: $36,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,384/year (purchasing power: $60,366).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lafayette grew 36.5% from $21.05/hr (2019) to $28.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.31/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Looking deeper into the dynamics of per diem massage therapist pay in Lafayette, opportunities abound for those who choose flexible scheduling. For example, a therapist working three days a week—roughly 24 hours—takes home around $38,046 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts yet providing a suitable income for many. Per-diem therapists often bill varying rates depending on the context: while chain spas may pay $25-$40 per session, independent practitioners can command between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute treatment. Employment types impact earnings substantially; franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone usually offer lower hourly rates compared to self-employed therapists, who retain all client revenue but also bear additional costs. In Lafayette, successful negotiation strategies may involve weighing the benefits of healthcare coverage offered by larger employers against the higher income potential in solo practices. The choice hinges on individual priorities, balancing immediate financial needs with long-term career aspirations.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lafayette?
Are massage therapists in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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