Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in South Bend, IN: $24.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in South Bend, IN runs $24.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against South Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,958 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In South Bend, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $24.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This discrepancy highlights the local market's unique dynamics and offers insights into the earning potential for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists. For professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into roughly a part-time income that is less than what many might expect, especially considering the variety of settings where massage therapy services are provided, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and sports therapy environments. The hourly pay spectrum spans from $19.44 for entry-level positions to $39.84 for the highest earners, reflecting different levels of experience, clientele, and service types available in South Bend.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.44 | $155.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.64 | $157.09 |
| Median (P50) | $24.01 | $192.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.00 | $224.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.84 | $318.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Bend
Based on $24.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.01/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Bend, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,931 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,806. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.21 | $4,161 | $49,931 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.12 | $2,497 | $29,958 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.08 | $1,664 | $19,972 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (South Bend) | $24.01 |
| 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 South Bend, IN earn a median of $49,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.44% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 12.00% below the Indiana state average of $56,738.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.01/hr = $29,958/year (purchasing power: $32,263).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,931/year (purchasing power: $53,771).
CoL index: 92.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in South Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in South Bend grew 17.1% from $19.34/hr (2019) to $22.64/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.45/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 South Bend 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 South Bend
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals that a massage therapist working 24 hours per week at the median hourly pay would bring home about $28,000 annually, which contrasts significantly with the earnings of full-time practitioners. The per-diem massage therapist role tends to offer flexible income, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 for chain spas, and up to $150 for self-employed sessions. Different types of employers also contribute to an hourly wage variance; therapists at franchise chains such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone might earn less than their independent counterparts who enjoy higher rates due to fewer overhead costs. Many therapists face the challenge of deciding between stable pay and health benefits offered by larger practices versus the higher pay often associated with self-employment, which comes with its own risks. When negotiating pay, especially within South Bend’s market, it's essential to emphasize one’s skills and experience to secure the best possible terms, taking into account the trade-offs for benefits versus hourly wage.
More salary data for South Bend, IN:
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 South Bend. 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