Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Groton, CT: $31.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Groton, CT runs $31.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Groton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,890 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Groton, Connecticut, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $31.16, surpassing the national hourly median of $29.80. This favorable rate not only reflects the demand for skilled therapists in various settings—such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and sports medicine practices—but also offers an appealing opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers. A therapist working three days a week can find their earning potential quite substantial, especially when considering the variability in hourly rates from entry-level positions starting around $18.08 up to top earners commanding $48.31. These estimates are primarily derived from annual salary data, providing insight into the competitive landscape for massage therapist hourly pay in Groton, CT.
About the Groton 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) | $18.08 | $144.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.31 | $194.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.16 | $249.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.89 | $319.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.31 | $386.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Groton
Based on $31.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.16/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Groton, CT can expect to earn approximately $64,817 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,395. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Groton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Groton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,246.49 | $5,401 | $64,817 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.89 | $3,241 | $38,890 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.60 | $2,161 | $25,927 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Groton) | $31.16 |
| 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 Groton, CT earn a median of $64,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.10% below the Connecticut state average of $66,894.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.16/hr = $38,890/year (purchasing power: $36,043).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,817/year (purchasing power: $60,072).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Groton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Groton grew 36.5% from $21.53/hr (2019) to $29.39/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.04/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 Groton 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 Groton
Exploring part-time scenarios reveals that a massage therapist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $39,067 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues, but still allows for a flexible work-life balance. For per diem and agency roles, pay can vary widely, with chain spa therapists typically earning $25 to $40 per session and self-employed individuals billing clients between $80 and $150 per hour. Hourly rates differ across various employers in Groton, where franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone generally offer lower starting pay, while independent practices provide greater earning potential. The decision to prioritize stability with benefits or accept higher pay without them is crucial for many therapists. Practical negotiation tips for Groton include understanding local market rates and emphasizing value, which can help in successfully navigating pay discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Groton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Groton. 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 Groton 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