Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kahului, HI: $49.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kahului, HI runs $49.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kahului's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.4, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,597 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kahului, Hawaii, the expected massage therapist hourly pay stands at $49.36, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This notable difference highlights Kahului's demand for qualified massage therapists, making it an attractive location for professionals in the field. For those working part-time, such as in typical settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile practices, the hourly rate can lead to substantial earnings. A part-time therapist working three days a week might find themselves earning between $15.87 and $86.24 per hour, depending on their experience and specialization. This range indicates ample opportunities for both entry-level massage therapists and top earners within the community, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, projected for 2026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.87 | $126.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.78 | $246.24 |
| Median (P50) | $49.36 | $394.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.90 | $599.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.24 | $689.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kahului
Based on $49.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.36/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kahului, HI can expect to earn approximately $102,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,228. With a cost-of-living index of 109.39 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kahului.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kahului
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,974.28 | $8,555 | $102,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.57 | $5,133 | $61,597 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.71 | $3,422 | $41,065 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kahului) | $49.36 |
| 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 Kahului, HI earn a median of $102,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 65.64% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 38.80% above the Hawaii state average of $73,961.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.36/hr = $61,597/year (purchasing power: $56,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,662/year (purchasing power: $93,847).
CoL index: 109.393 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kahului grew 40.6% from $33.11/hr (2019) to $46.55/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.33/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 Kahului 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 Kahului
When it comes to annual earnings, a part-time therapist working around 24 hours per week could see a different earning trajectory compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem massage therapist pay in Kahului often varies widely, with therapists billing anywhere from $25 to $100 per session at various employer settings. Self-employed therapists working with clients directly can charge from $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session, or even more for mobile services, where rates reach $120 to $200. Spas and franchise chains typically offer lower hourly wages but may provide benefits like health insurance that self-employed therapists do not receive. In negotiating pay, understanding these market dynamics is crucial. For those at entry-level positions in franchise chains, being prepared to discuss the trade-offs may lead to better deals that align with personal career goals.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Kahului in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Kahului?
Are massage therapists in Kahului paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Kahului?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kahului?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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 Kahului. 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, 6-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