Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $30.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $30.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,202 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, Illinois, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 is estimated to be $30.61, slightly above the national hourly median of $29.80. This competitive rate suggests a promising environment for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists working in various settings such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, sports training facilities, and even private in-home practices. The hourly wage ranges from $18.66 for entry-level practitioners to $47.45 for top earners, providing ample opportunity for growth within the field. Many therapists thrive on flexible schedules, allowing them to maximize their income potential while catering to diverse client needs.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.66 | $149.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.33 | $186.61 |
| Median (P50) | $30.61 | $244.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.19 | $313.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.45 | $379.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $30.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.61/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,733. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,224.43 | $5,306 | $63,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.66 | $3,184 | $38,202 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.77 | $2,122 | $25,468 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Arlington Heights) | $30.61 |
| 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 Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $63,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.74% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $64,712.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.61/hr = $38,202/year (purchasing power: $39,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,671/year (purchasing power: $65,572).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Arlington Heights grew 36.5% from $21.15/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.46/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 Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights
Considering a part-time massage therapist working three days a week for 24 hours, they could expect to take home approximately $39,791 annually, markedly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem massage therapists may charge between $25 and $100 per session at chain locations, with self-employed practitioners earning anywhere from $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session, depending on their clientele and location. Variability in pay is often seen across different employer types in Arlington Heights. While franchise chains like Massage Envy may provide a steady income, independent therapists can command higher rates at in-home or mobile sessions. However, many face a trade-off between lower hourly pay with employment benefits and higher rates without such perks. For those working in this competitive market, effective negotiation skills can be instrumental in securing favorable pay structures, whether one is self-employed or working for a larger establishment.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Arlington Heights in 2026?
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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 Arlington Heights. 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 Arlington Heights 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