Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Bradenton, FL: $24.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Bradenton, FL runs $24.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Bradenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected hourly pay for massage therapists in Bradenton, FL, stands at $24.86. This is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80, reflecting the local market dynamics. For massage therapists working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a paycheck that can support various employment avenues, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. With an hourly range stretching from $14.56 for entry-level positions to $38.54 for the most experienced therapists, the opportunities within the city cater to a diverse range of career stages. These figures are informed by annual salary estimates, providing a clear picture of the earning landscape for those pursuing careers in massage therapy in Bradenton.
About the Bradenton Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.56 | $116.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.95 | $143.61 |
| Median (P50) | $24.86 | $198.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.83 | $254.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.54 | $308.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bradenton
Based on $24.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.86/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bradenton, FL can expect to earn approximately $51,717 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,837. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bradenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bradenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.56 | $4,310 | $51,717 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.74 | $2,586 | $31,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.82 | $1,724 | $20,687 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Bradenton) | $24.86 |
| 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 Bradenton, FL earn a median of $51,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.55% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Florida state average of $53,048.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.86/hr = $31,030/year (purchasing power: $30,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,717/year (purchasing power: $51,307).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bradenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Bradenton grew 36.5% from $17.18/hr (2019) to $23.45/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.36/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 Bradenton 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 Bradenton
Focusing on per diem massage therapist pay in Bradenton reveals a more complex scenario. For part-time therapists working 24 hours weekly, annual earnings could total approximately $31,035 compared to a full-time practitioner's potential, highlighting the challenges faced in achieving a stable income while balancing work-life commitments. Per diem massage therapists, especially those in chain establishments, may charge anywhere from $25 to $40 per session, while independent practitioners could command $80 to $150 for each 60-minute appointment. This disparity illustrates the differences across various employment settings. Spa jobs often provide a steadier income but typically come with lower pay, while self-employed therapists face greater financial risks. These therapists must also weigh the benefits of a higher hourly wage against the security offered by positions that include benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it’s wise for professionals in Bradenton to research local standards and focus on building a compelling client base, especially in this vibrant market where services vary widely.
More salary data for Bradenton, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Bradenton in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Bradenton?
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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 Bradenton. 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 Bradenton 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