Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Palm Bay, FL: $24.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Palm Bay, FL runs $24.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Palm Bay's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,083 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Palm Bay, Florida, the current massage therapist hourly pay is set at $24.91, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This disparity suggests that massage therapists in the region may find themselves in a position where part-time work—spending about three days a week in the field—could lead to a comfortable living but may require additional hours for those in per-diem roles. Often, those who work part-time or as per-diem therapists in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or hotels will appreciate a flexible schedule, yet they must navigate an hourly range beginning at $15.92 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $41.56 for those at the top of their field, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for 2026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.92 | $127.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.97 | $183.73 |
| Median (P50) | $24.91 | $199.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.72 | $261.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.56 | $332.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palm Bay
Based on $24.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.91/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palm Bay, FL can expect to earn approximately $51,805 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,888. With a cost-of-living index of 100.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palm Bay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palm Bay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.26 | $4,317 | $51,805 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.75 | $2,590 | $31,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.50 | $1,727 | $20,722 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Palm Bay) | $24.91 |
| 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 Palm Bay, FL earn a median of $51,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.42% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.30% below the Florida state average of $53,015.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.91/hr = $31,083/year (purchasing power: $31,082).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,805/year (purchasing power: $51,803).
CoL index: 100.005 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Palm Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Palm Bay grew 24.5% from $18.86/hr (2019) to $23.49/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.41/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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay
For professionals considering part-time options in massage therapy, working consistently for three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would yield a significantly different income annualized than full-time therapists. The per diem or agency pay for massage therapists in Palm Bay varies widely; those working for chains typically earn between $25 to $40 per session, while mid-tier independent practices can bill clients upwards of $60 to $100. Self-employed massage therapists commanding cash rates can take home anywhere from $80 to $150 per hour-long session, with mobile services attracting a premium of $120 to $200 per appointment. Employment settings also affect hourly rates, with franchise chains such as Massage Envy offering stable appointments at lower wages compared to self-sufficient practices that require marketing and overhead management. For those in Palm Bay, negotiating hourly pay may hinge on the balance between securing health insurance benefits at lower rates versus pursuing higher earnings without those benefits.
More salary data for Palm Bay, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Palm Bay in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Palm Bay?
Are massage therapists in Palm Bay paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Palm Bay?
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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 Palm Bay. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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