Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $31.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lakewood, CO runs $31.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,327 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a competitive median of $31.51, outpacing the national hourly median of $29.80. This favorable rate allows for versatile earning opportunities, especially for part-time therapists working three days a week. For those in traditional environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and even mobile setups, the hourly potential significantly influences their financial outcomes. Entry-level massage therapists can expect to earn around $18.67, while those at the top of their game can command up to $48.84 per hour. These figures provide a clear view of the financial landscape, derived from annual salary estimates, and demonstrate how the varied hourly rates reflect the different settings and career stages within the profession.
About the Lakewood 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) | $18.67 | $149.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.66 | $189.24 |
| Median (P50) | $31.51 | $252.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.33 | $322.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.84 | $390.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $31.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $65,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,815. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,260.48 | $5,462 | $65,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.29 | $3,277 | $39,327 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.19 | $2,185 | $26,218 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lakewood) | $31.51 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $65,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.76% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $65,478.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.51/hr = $39,327/year (purchasing power: $37,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,545/year (purchasing power: $62,424).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood grew 36.5% from $21.77/hr (2019) to $29.72/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.41/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When considering part-time work, a therapist in Lakewood dedicating 24 hours per week could realize annual earnings of approximately $39,136, compared to full-time colleagues' potential. Per-diem arrangements also present financial flexibility; those working in this capacity often earn between $25 and $100 per session, depending on the work setting. Self-employed therapists can significantly increase their rates, charging anywhere from $80 to $200 for a one-hour session, but must also navigate higher overhead costs and business management. In Lakewood, the pay can vary widely depending on whether one works at a franchise like Massage Envy or runs an independent practice, necessitating careful consideration of benefits versus higher hourly wages. Successful negotiation strategies can enable therapists to secure better pay, especially when weighing health insurance against independent income potential.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lakewood?
Are massage therapists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lakewood?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
Related Pages
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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