Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Bristol, CT: $31.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Bristol, CT runs $31.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,338 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,803 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Connecticut, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a notable $31.89, which surpasses the national median of $29.80. This rate creates a favorable environment for part-time and per-diem massage therapists who typically work in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports team facilities, hotel spa areas, and even private practices. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a flexible yet lucrative earning potential. Entry-level positions start at approximately $18.50 per hour, while more experienced therapists can command rates upwards of $49.43, illustrating a wide pay scale. These figures are derived from annual salary data adjusted to their hourly equivalents, emphasizing the diverse financial opportunities available within the profession.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.50 | $148.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.61 | $196.88 |
| Median (P50) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.82 | $326.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.43 | $395.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $31.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.89/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, CT can expect to earn approximately $66,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,273. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.75 | $5,528 | $66,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.45 | $3,317 | $39,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.30 | $2,211 | $26,536 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Bristol) | $31.89 |
| 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 Bristol, CT earn a median of $66,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $66,873.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.89/hr = $39,803/year (purchasing power: $36,889).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,339/year (purchasing power: $61,482).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Bristol grew 36.5% from $22.04/hr (2019) to $30.08/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.82/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Considering part-time positions, a massage therapist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $49,920 on an annual basis, significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still viable for those seeking additional income or balancing other responsibilities. Per diem therapists often charge variable rates; for instance, those filling in at chain spas typically earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent operators may earn $60 to $100 per session. Mobile therapists may command even higher fees, ranging from $120 to $200 for in-home visits. Employment settings in Bristol also influence earnings, as therapists at resorts or independent clinics may earn more than those at franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. Therapists may need to weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits against steadier income at establishments offering health insurance. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local market and tailor-fitting their requests based on their unique skill set can lead to better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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