Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $37.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Honolulu, HI runs $37.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $37.82, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This elevated rate reflects the unique cost of living and demand for services in HI, making massage therapy an attractive option for both full-time and part-time practitioners. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the earnings can still be substantial, enhancing the appeal of flexible schedules often found in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports facilities, and in-home treatments. The hourly wage ranges from $21.94 for entry-level positions to as much as $58.62 for experienced professionals. With the competitive environment of Honolulu, these figures are encouraging for those considering careers in this field.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.94 | $175.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.23 | $217.83 |
| Median (P50) | $37.82 | $302.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.41 | $387.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.62 | $468.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $37.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.82/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $78,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,385. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,512.84 | $6,556 | $78,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.70 | $3,933 | $47,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.13 | $2,622 | $31,467 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Honolulu) | $37.82 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $78,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $73,941.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.82/hr = $47,200/year (purchasing power: $39,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,667/year (purchasing power: $65,941).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Honolulu grew 36.5% from $26.13/hr (2019) to $35.67/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.10/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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu
Part-time massage therapists taking on a schedule of 24 hours per week can see their earnings vary. For instance, part-time workers could realistically take home a significant amount annually, but full-time engagement often yields higher overall earnings. Per diem massage therapist pay in Honolulu can differ based on the type of employment, with agency workers earning between $25 to $40 per session at larger chains, while independent practitioners might charge anywhere from $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session. Spas that can afford to offer benefits typically provide lower hourly rates compared to self-employed therapists who might operate at a premium. Although chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone offer consistent client flow, self-employment allows therapists to better negotiate their pay and hours, particularly within Honolulu's vibrant service sector. For therapists motivated to maximize their earning potential, thoughtful negotiation with employers can lead to favorable outcomes regardless of the setting.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Honolulu. 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 Honolulu 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