Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, IN: $26.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lawrence, IN runs $26.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,565 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Indiana, the average hourly pay for massage therapists is projected to be $26.09 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This pay rate provides insights into the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those who might work in various settings such as day spas, chiropractic offices, or even mobile practices. For a part-time therapist working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a stable, albeit modest income when compared to the expansive opportunities available in larger markets. The hourly range for massage therapists in Lawrence extends from $16.06 at the entry-level to $40.45 for the highest earners, indicating the range of wages based on experience and client demand within the local market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.06 | $128.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.94 | $159.55 |
| Median (P50) | $26.09 | $208.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.41 | $267.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.45 | $323.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $26.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.09/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, IN can expect to earn approximately $54,275 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,313. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,043.76 | $4,523 | $54,275 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.26 | $2,714 | $32,565 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.50 | $1,809 | $21,710 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lawrence) | $26.09 |
| 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 Lawrence, IN earn a median of $54,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.41% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $56,723.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.09/hr = $32,565/year (purchasing power: $35,668).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,275/year (purchasing power: $59,447).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence grew 36.5% from $18.03/hr (2019) to $24.61/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.67/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
For those considering part-time positions, working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could yield an annual take-home income of approximately $32,305, significantly lower than what full-time therapists might earn. Freelance and per-diem opportunities also prevail in this field, with rates varying widely; independent therapists charge between $80 and $150 per session, while those working in chain spas typically bill between $25 and $40 per session. The type of employer can heavily influence pay structures; therapists in established franchises like Massage Envy often earn less but may enjoy the benefits of consistent booking. Additionally, many in Lawrence balance the decision between higher hourly rates without benefits and positions offering job security with health insurance, weighing their options carefully. For therapists, knowing how to negotiate their rate based on experience and services offered can greatly influence their overall earnings.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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