Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $31.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Chicago, IL runs $31.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,890 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,930 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For massage therapists in Chicago, the projected median hourly rate for 2026 stands at $31.19, notably higher than the national median of $29.80. This rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers who typically engage in roles across various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports team facilities, and even luxury hotel spas. In terms of compensation, hourly wages range between $17.22 for entry-level positions and $42.32 for experienced professionals, providing ample opportunity for upward mobility as therapists gain more experience and refine their skills. Additionally, these figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, painting a clear picture of earning potential within the industry across the city.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.22 | $137.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.79 |
| Median (P50) | $31.19 | $249.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.54 | $316.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.32 | $338.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $31.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.19/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,433. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.76 | $5,407 | $64,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.66 | $3,244 | $38,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.10 | $2,163 | $25,953 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Chicago) | $31.19 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $64,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.70% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.30% above the Illinois state average of $64,696.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.19/hr = $38,930/year (purchasing power: $37,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,884/year (purchasing power: $62,632).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Chicago grew 26.8% from $23.21/hr (2019) to $29.42/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.08/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Examining the income potential for part-time massage therapists who work three days a week, the financial remuneration can be quite different from full-time counterparts. Such therapists might take home around $48,000 annually, assuming a 24-hour workweek, while per-diem massage therapists can charge varying rates based on their employment status. For example, those working in franchises like Massage Envy might earn between $25 and $40 per session, whereas independent practitioners may command $80 to $150 per hour in a cash-pay setup. This wage variance shows that those employed full-time in hospitals or physical therapy environments typically earn a steadier income but may have lower hourly rates compared to self-employed individuals who handle their marketing and expenses. This alternative labor model highlights the trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without such offerings. For those negotiating their rates in Chicago, understanding the wide discrepancy between employer types can inform better compensation discussions, especially in a vibrant market like this one.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 Chicago. 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, 7-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