Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $29.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Galesburg, IL runs $29.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,826 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $29.51, slightly lower than the national median of $29.80. This pay structure is particularly relevant for those working in various environments, such as spas, physical therapy clinics, and mobile practices. Part-time therapists, perhaps working three days a week, can expect to earn a reasonable income that aligns with high-demand positions in vacation destinations or specialized home practices. The hourly income ranges significantly, from about $17.76 for those just starting in the field (P10) to as much as $45.74 for the most experienced professionals (P90) in Galesburg. These figures derived from annual salary estimates emphasize the flexibility in scheduling and the potential for higher earnings depending on the type of practice and clientele.
About the Galesburg 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) | $17.76 | $142.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.26 | $178.05 |
| Median (P50) | $29.51 | $236.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.77 | $302.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.74 | $365.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $29.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,410. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.33 | $5,115 | $61,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.20 | $3,069 | $36,826 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.13 | $2,046 | $24,551 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Galesburg) | $29.51 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $61,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.96% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $64,679.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.51/hr = $36,826/year (purchasing power: $37,926).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,377/year (purchasing power: $63,210).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Galesburg grew 36.5% from $20.39/hr (2019) to $27.83/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.29/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
When analyzing the earning potential for a part-time massage therapist working 24 hours a week, it's clear that opportunities abound for flexibility. Typically, a part-time practitioner could bring home a decent income annually compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem or agency therapists often earn varying session rates—commonly around $25 to $40 for chain facilities, while independent setups may charge $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists can bill anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard hour-long session, with mobile in-home services even reaching $120 to $200. In Galesburg, the type of employer also influences pay significantly, with resort and day spas typically offering lower compensation than independent practices. Some therapists choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. It's essential for workers in this environment to negotiate effectively, knowing that rates can vary widely based on the employer and the demand for services.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Galesburg 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 Galesburg. 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 Galesburg 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