Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $29.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Downers Grove, IL runs $29.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, the projected massage therapist hourly pay is $29.68, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This pay rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers, allowing them to thrive in various environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For a therapist working three days a week, this rate translates to a flexible work schedule that accommodates personal commitments while still generating an income. The hourly range for massage therapists here varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $18.14 and top earners reaching up to $46.01 per hour. These projections indicate that individuals in this profession can find viable opportunities within Downers Grove's diverse settings, from hotel spas to private home practices.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $18.14 | $145.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.58 | $180.68 |
| Median (P50) | $29.68 | $237.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.99 | $303.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.01 | $368.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $29.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.68/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,613. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,187.11 | $5,144 | $61,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.27 | $3,086 | $37,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.84 | $2,058 | $24,692 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Downers Grove) | $29.68 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $61,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $64,708.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.68/hr = $37,038/year (purchasing power: $38,144).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,730/year (purchasing power: $63,573).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Downers Grove grew 36.5% from $20.51/hr (2019) to $27.99/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
Examining the financial realities for massage therapy in Downers Grove reveals intriguing dynamics. A part-time massage therapist working three days a week could take home approximately $46,232 annually, a respectable figure, but still below the earnings potential of a full-time professional. Per-diem massage therapists have unique pay structures; those at chain spas typically earn between $25-$40 per session, while independent practitioners and self-employed therapists can command anywhere from $80 to $200 per hour, depending on their client base and service type. This variability in pay highlights the trade-offs many professionals face, such as accepting lower hourly wages for the benefits associated with employer-sponsored positions versus pursuing higher earnings without benefits in private practice. Marketplace conditions also differ based on the employer type, with franchises often offering more stable bookings but at lower rates than self-employed counterparts who manage their marketing and overhead. Understanding these financial factors and knowing how to negotiate effectively can empower massage therapists in Downers Grove, whether they're just starting or have years of experience.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Downers Grove?
Are massage therapists in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Downers Grove?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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