Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $31.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Rock Island, IL runs $31.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $31.87 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate can significantly impact both part-time workers and per-diem professionals in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile therapy practices. For therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate suggests a solid earning potential while allowing for flexible scheduling. The hourly range for massage therapists in Rock Island spans from $18.48 for entry-level positions to $49.40 for experienced top earners. This financial projection is derived from estimated annual salaries, reflecting a growing demand for qualified professionals in the field.
About the Rock Island 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) | $18.48 | $147.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.97 | $199.76 |
| Median (P50) | $31.87 | $254.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.80 | $326.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.40 | $395.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $31.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.87/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $66,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,247. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.90 | $5,525 | $66,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.94 | $3,315 | $39,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.96 | $2,210 | $26,518 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Rock Island) | $31.87 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $66,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.97% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% above the Illinois state average of $64,675.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.87/hr = $39,777/year (purchasing power: $40,965).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,295/year (purchasing power: $68,275).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Rock Island grew 36.5% from $22.02/hr (2019) to $30.06/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.79/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
The earning potential for part-time massage therapists who work 24 hours a week can lead to an annual income over $60,000, a substantial sum compared to full-time earnings across other sectors. Per-diem massage therapists in Rock Island often charge between $25 and $40 per session in chain settings, while independent practitioners can earn between $80 and $150 per session, depending on their experience and client base. The types of employers also influence hourly rates; franchise spas like Massage Envy may offer lower pay but provide steady client bookings and benefits, whereas self-employed therapists face higher overhead but keep a larger share of earnings. Understanding these dynamics can empower those in the profession to negotiate better pay and work conditions, whether they’re pursuing agency roles or setting up their private practices.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Rock Island in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Rock Island?
Are massage therapists in Rock Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Rock Island?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Rock Island?
Related Pages
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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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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