Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $30.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Joliet, IL runs $30.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,288 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,573 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, massage therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $30.91, which is higher than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate is highly beneficial for those pursuing part-time work or per-diem positions in various settings, including day spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels. A part-time therapist working three days a week could earn a steady income while enjoying a flexible schedule. Hourly pay ranges from $17.97 for entry-level positions to as much as $47.90 for top earners, providing ample opportunity for career growth. These figures are based on yearly salary estimates converted to hourly rates, giving potential employees a clearer understanding of their earning potential in this occupation.
About the Joliet 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) | $17.97 | $143.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.94 | $183.56 |
| Median (P50) | $30.91 | $247.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.56 | $316.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.90 | $383.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $30.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.91/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,288 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,089. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,236.31 | $5,357 | $64,288 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.79 | $3,214 | $38,573 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.52 | $2,143 | $25,715 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Joliet) | $30.91 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $64,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $64,676.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.91/hr = $38,573/year (purchasing power: $39,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,288/year (purchasing power: $66,208).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Joliet grew 36.5% from $21.36/hr (2019) to $29.15/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.77/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Focusing on the nuances of part-time and per-diem work, a therapist operating three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could take home around $38,475 each year, which underscores the viability of part-time roles, especially in a market like Joliet. Per-diem massage therapists, often employed by spas, typically charge between $25 and $40 per session in chain settings but can command rates of $80 to $150 for cash-pay sessions in private practices. This variety in compensation reflects the different employer types in Joliet, including resort spas, mobile services, and independent practices. While many therapists opt for stable positions at lower hourly rates in franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, others pursue higher earnings in self-employed roles despite the associated risks. Negotiating compensation can also play a part; therapists should consider the benefits of health insurance offered at certain facilities versus the higher hourly pay available to self-employed professionals in the region.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Joliet in 2026?
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Are massage therapists in Joliet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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