Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Peoria, IL: $28.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Peoria, IL runs $28.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,794 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, the typical massage therapist earns a median hourly rate of $28.68. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $29.80 per hour, suggesting a competitive yet modest pay landscape for massage professionals in the area. For those seeking part-time or per-diem work, often found in spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile setups, this hourly rate presents a practical income option. Entry-level massage therapists might start at an hourly wage of around $15.90, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $39.19 per hour. Given that many therapists work flexible schedules, especially in non-traditional settings like hotels or sports teams, the ability to adjust hours can significantly impact earnings and work-life balance.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.90 | $127.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.90 | $183.22 |
| Median (P50) | $28.68 | $229.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.96 | $255.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.19 | $313.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $28.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.68/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, IL can expect to earn approximately $59,657 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,417. With a cost-of-living index of 91.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.24 | $4,971 | $59,657 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.35 | $2,983 | $35,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.90 | $1,989 | $23,863 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Peoria) | $28.68 |
| 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 Peoria, IL earn a median of $59,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.80% below the Illinois state average of $64,711.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.68/hr = $35,794/year (purchasing power: $39,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,657/year (purchasing power: $65,391).
CoL index: 91.231 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+69.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Peoria grew 50.9% from $17.92/hr (2019) to $27.05/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.41/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
Examining the financial realities for part-time therapists in Peoria provides further insight into potential earnings. A massage therapist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could take home approximately $35,486 annually if they consistently earn the median rate. In contrast, per-diem work can vary widely, with prices ranging from $25 to $100 per session in spa environments, and as high as $150 or more per session for cash-pay, self-employed therapists. The earnings are even higher for mobile services, which can command $120 to $200 per session. Notably, therapists in Peoria working for franchise chains like Massage Envy may earn less than their self-employed counterparts but benefit from guaranteed bookings that provide financial stability. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding the nuances of different employer types—ranging from treatment rooms in physical therapy clinics to independent practices—can empower massage therapists to advocate for fair compensation tailored to their individual needs and financial goals.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 Peoria. 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