Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $34.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Waipahu, HI runs $34.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,449 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,469 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at an impressive $34.83, which surpasses the national median of $29.80. This competitive rate can significantly benefit both part-time and per-diem massage therapists who typically work in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, hotels, and mobile practices. For example, a massage therapist working three days per week can expect to earn a substantial income, given the wide hourly range from $20.20 to $53.99 based on experience and employer type. This range allows entry-level therapists to enter the workforce while established professionals can capitalize on more lucrative opportunities. Such diversity in hourly pay opens doors for various employment arrangements, giving professionals the flexibility to choose a work-life balance that suits their lifestyle.
About the Waipahu 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) | $20.20 | $161.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.51 | $204.09 |
| Median (P50) | $34.83 | $278.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.59 | $356.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.99 | $431.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $34.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.83/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $72,448 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,797. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,393.23 | $6,037 | $72,448 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.94 | $3,622 | $43,469 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.29 | $2,415 | $28,979 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Waipahu) | $34.83 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $72,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $73,928.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.83/hr = $43,469/year (purchasing power: $36,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,448/year (purchasing power: $60,728).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Waipahu grew 36.5% from $24.07/hr (2019) to $32.85/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.93/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
When considering part-time earning potential for a therapist working 24 hours weekly, the annual income could reach around $43,000, illustrating a practical alternative to full-time commitments. Per diem arrangements offer enticing prospects as therapists often charge clients between $25 and $40 per session at franchise spas to $80 to $150 at independent practices, with even higher rates for mobile in-home sessions spanning from $120 to $200. Salary levels vary across employer types in Waipahu, with spas typically offering lower rates compared to self-employed practices that allow for higher earnings. Many therapists might opt for position benefits, such as health insurance at franchises, despite the trade-off for lower hourly rates, as these perks can significantly enhance job security. Negotiating pay effectively, especially in a competitive market like Waipahu, may involve demonstrating experience and client satisfaction, leveraging knowledge gained from organizations like ABMP and AMTA to command better hourly rates.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Waipahu?
Are massage therapists in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Waipahu?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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