Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in St. Cloud, FL: $24.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in St. Cloud, FL runs $24.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against St. Cloud's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In St. Cloud, Florida, the landscape for massage therapy offers practitioners a median hourly rate of $24.92, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This disparity highlights the realities faced by massage therapists in various employment setups, including spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile in-home practices. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a take-home that may not fully reflect the effort put in, compared to their full-time counterparts. The hourly range for therapists in the area spans from $14.90 for entry-level positions to $38.63 for top earners, illustrating the growth potential in the field. Such estimates are derived from annual salary data, shedding light on what can be expected for those considering this career path in St. Cloud.
About the St. Cloud 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) | $14.90 | $119.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.79 | $150.31 |
| Median (P50) | $24.92 | $199.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.63 | $309.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Cloud
Based on $24.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.92/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Cloud, FL can expect to earn approximately $51,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,900. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Cloud.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Cloud
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.68 | $4,319 | $51,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.01 | $2,591 | $31,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.67 | $1,728 | $20,731 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (St. Cloud) | $24.92 |
| 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 St. Cloud, FL earn a median of $51,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.37% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.30% below the Florida state average of $53,050.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.92/hr = $31,096/year (purchasing power: $30,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,827/year (purchasing power: $51,416).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in St. Cloud (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in St. Cloud grew 36.5% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $23.50/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.42/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 St. Cloud 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 St. Cloud
Part-time massage therapists can take home a significantly varied annual income. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours weekly at the median pay could expect earnings under $40,000, a stark contrast to what full-time therapists can achieve. The per-diem scenario adds another layer of complexity; those filling in at spas can bill $25-$40 per session at chain establishments, while independent therapists can command $60-$100 per session. This gap widens for self-employed cash-pay practitioners, who often earn between $80-$150 for a 60-minute session. The type of employment arrangement greatly influences earning potential, with franchise positions typically offering lower pay but more stable schedules. Therapists must weigh benefits against hourly rates when assessing job opportunities—sometimes accepting lower pay in favor of health insurance. Practical negotiation tips for those in St. Cloud could involve understanding the local market dynamics, being flexible on hours, and leveraging skills to justify higher rates.
More salary data for St. Cloud, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in St. Cloud in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in St. Cloud?
Are massage therapists in St. Cloud paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in St. Cloud?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in St. Cloud?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 St. Cloud. 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 St. Cloud 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