Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Albany, GA: $27.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Albany, GA runs $27.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,299 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Albany, Georgia, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $27.48, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This figure serves as a benchmark for both part-time and per-diem workers who operate primarily in environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports training facilities, and mobile in-home setups. For those in entry-level positions, the hourly pay can start as low as $15.94, while more experienced therapists can see their rates climb to $42.60. This wide range highlights the potential for variation in earnings based on experience, type of employer, and engagement level in different setups, ultimately providing a comprehensive view of what massage therapy careers can offer in Albany.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.94 | $127.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.16 | $169.31 |
| Median (P50) | $27.48 | $219.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.18 | $281.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.60 | $340.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $27.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.48/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, GA can expect to earn approximately $57,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,980. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.32 | $4,764 | $57,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.59 | $2,858 | $34,299 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.73 | $1,905 | $22,866 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Albany) | $27.48 |
| 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 Albany, GA earn a median of $57,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.76% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the Georgia state average of $57,684.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.48/hr = $34,299/year (purchasing power: $36,841).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,165/year (purchasing power: $61,401).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Albany grew 36.5% from $18.99/hr (2019) to $25.92/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.14/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 Albany 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 Albany
Examining the part-time scenario, a massage therapist working three days a week for 24 hours annually can expect to take home around $38,358, a considerable sum for someone balancing additional commitments. For therapists who choose the per-diem route, the pay can significantly differ, with typical billing rates ranging from $25 to $100 per session, depending on the establishment's tier. Self-employed specialists may charge $80 to $150 for standard 60-minute sessions, while mobile service practitioners might command a premium of $120 to $200. Different types of employers have distinct pay structures, where franchise chains often offer lower wages compared to self-employed practices, but provide benefits such as steady client flow and health insurance. Therapists negotiating their hourly pay in Albany should focus on demonstrating their value and expertise, emphasizing unique offerings that can justify higher rates.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Albany in 2026?
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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 Albany. 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 Albany 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