Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Stratford, CT: $31.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Stratford, CT runs $31.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Stratford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stratford, Connecticut, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $31.85 in 2026, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This competitive rate offers opportunities for both part-time and per-diem therapists, who typically work in environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile setups. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a substantial income, with earnings ranging from $18.47 for entry-level practitioners (P10) to $49.37 for top earners (P90). This structure allows flexibility for those who may be balancing other commitments while practicing in settings that can vary widely, from upscale hotel spas to private homes.
About the Stratford 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) | $18.47 | $147.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.51 | $196.11 |
| Median (P50) | $31.85 | $254.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.77 | $326.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.37 | $394.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stratford
Based on $31.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.85/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stratford, CT can expect to earn approximately $66,251 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,222. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stratford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stratford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.06 | $5,521 | $66,251 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.43 | $3,313 | $39,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.62 | $2,208 | $26,500 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Stratford) | $31.85 |
| 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 Stratford, CT earn a median of $66,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.89% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $66,844.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.85/hr = $39,751/year (purchasing power: $36,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,251/year (purchasing power: $61,400).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Stratford grew 36.5% from $22.01/hr (2019) to $30.04/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.77/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 Stratford 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 Stratford
Focusing on the earning potential, a part-time massage therapist in Stratford who works 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $49,131 annually, compared to a typical full-time salary that would exceed $66,242. Per diem massage therapists in this area often charge $25-$40 per session in chain spas, while independent clinicians can command $60-$100 for similar services. Those who are self-employed may charge $80-$150 per hour for cash-pay sessions, especially in mobile setups, which may range from $120 to $200 for in-home appointments. Compensation varies widely based on the employer, with franchise chains offering lower hourly rates but greater stability. Understanding the trade-offs between job security and higher hourly wages is key, as some therapists prefer the consistency of benefits over potentially higher but less predictable rates. Negotiation skills are crucial when determining pay in various settings, particularly for self-employed therapists who shoulder their own marketing and overhead costs while navigating competitive hourly wages in the Stratford area.
More salary data for Stratford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Stratford in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Stratford?
Are massage therapists in Stratford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Stratford?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Stratford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Connecticut
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 Stratford. 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 Stratford 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