Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Portage, IN: $26.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Portage, IN runs $26.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,883 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Indiana, massage therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $26.35. This figure falls behind the national median hourly rate of $29.80, indicating a regional difference that job seekers might consider. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a consistent and manageable income. Whether in spa treatment rooms, chiropractic offices, or mobile setups, the hourly rates range from $15.84 for entry-level positions to up to $40.84 for top earners. These estimates reflect a growing market that supports various employment styles, allowing both part-time and per-diem massage therapists to carve out income adaptable to their schedules.
About the Portage 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) | $15.84 | $126.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.88 |
| Median (P50) | $26.35 | $210.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.73 | $269.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.84 | $326.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $26.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.35/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, IN can expect to earn approximately $54,805 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,618. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,053.94 | $4,567 | $54,805 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $632.36 | $2,740 | $32,883 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.58 | $1,827 | $21,922 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Portage) | $26.35 |
| 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 Portage, IN earn a median of $54,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.56% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $56,738.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.35/hr = $32,883/year (purchasing power: $36,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,805/year (purchasing power: $60,027).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Portage grew 36.5% from $18.20/hr (2019) to $24.85/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.94/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 Portage 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 Portage
Considering the part-time earning potential, a massage therapist working just three days a week, completing 24 hours of work, would take home about $34,510 annually based on a $26.35 hourly rate, clearly offering less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem massage therapists in Portage often operate under variable pay structures that typically range from $25-$40 per session with larger chains, climbing to $80-$150 for private practice sessions. Factors like employer type significantly influence earnings; while franchise chains like Massage Envy may offer steady hours but lower rates, self-employed therapists have the freedom to set higher prices, albeit with added responsibilities like marketing. Benefits like health insurance might sway therapists to accept lower hourly rates within structured clinics. When negotiating pay, therapists should emphasize their specialized skills and consider market rates, striving for remuneration that reflects their expertise while weighing the stability offered by permanent employment.
More salary data for Portage, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Portage in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Portage?
Are massage therapists in Portage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Portage?
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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 Portage. 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 Portage 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