Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Richmond, IN: $26.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Richmond, IN runs $26.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,134 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists stands at $26.55 per hour, making it notably lower than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This rate presents various opportunities for part-time work and per-diem positions typically found in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For a therapist working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for flexibility while still providing a decent income. The hourly range for massage therapists in Richmond varies significantly, with starting positions earning approximately $15.40 per hour at the lower end, while experienced professionals may command rates as high as $41.15 per hour or more. Such variations are often influenced by the type of employer, the therapist's level of experience, and setting, indicating the diverse earning potentials across this profession in the region.
About the Richmond 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) | $15.40 | $123.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.83 | $166.68 |
| Median (P50) | $26.55 | $212.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.98 | $271.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.15 | $329.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $26.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.55/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, IN can expect to earn approximately $55,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,860. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,062.00 | $4,602 | $55,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.20 | $2,761 | $33,134 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.80 | $1,841 | $22,090 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Richmond) | $26.55 |
| 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 Richmond, IN earn a median of $55,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $56,751.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.55/hr = $33,134/year (purchasing power: $36,292).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,224/year (purchasing power: $60,486).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Richmond grew 36.5% from $18.34/hr (2019) to $25.04/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.15/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
For those considering part-time opportunities, working as a three-day-a-week therapist would yield a different financial picture compared to full-time employment. With a total of about 24 hours worked weekly, a massage therapist can expect an annual income that may vary depending on their employer type. Per-diem massage therapists in Richmond typically bill between $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments, while independent practitioners can charge $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists might earn even more, taking home $80 to $150 for each hour-long session. Despite the higher per-session pricing, some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance when working at larger facilities like spas or clinics. Additionally, negotiating pay can take different forms, including discussing potential benefits or workload expectations, which may help maximize earnings while complying with the local market dynamics.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Richmond?
Are massage therapists in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Richmond?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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