Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Ankeny, IA: $26.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Ankeny, IA runs $26.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Ankeny's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,671 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ankeny, Iowa, the massage therapist hourly rate is projected to be $26.18 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This rate can significantly impact both part-time and per-diem workers, who may find themselves earning less while working in varying environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or mobile in-home setups. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates to a straightforward way to assess earnings while balancing flexible schedules. In Ankeny, entry-level massage therapists might see hourly wages starting at $15.44, whereas experienced practitioners or those in high-demand settings could earn as much as $40.58 per hour. These figures are based on annual salary data projections and illustrate the range of earnings potential within this profession.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.44 | $123.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.55 | $156.42 |
| Median (P50) | $26.18 | $209.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.51 | $268.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.58 | $324.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ankeny
Based on $26.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.18/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ankeny, IA can expect to earn approximately $54,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,415. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ankeny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ankeny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,047.15 | $4,538 | $54,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.29 | $2,723 | $32,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.86 | $1,815 | $21,781 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Ankeny) | $26.18 |
| 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 Ankeny, IA earn a median of $54,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $56,015.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.18/hr = $32,671/year (purchasing power: $36,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,452/year (purchasing power: $60,234).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Ankeny grew 36.5% from $18.09/hr (2019) to $24.69/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.76/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 Ankeny 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 Ankeny
Focusing on part-time earnings, a massage therapist working three days a week at 24 hours could realistically take home around $32,000 annually, which falls short of the income achievable by full-time therapists yet offers a viable income for many. For per-diem professionals, especially those filling in at spas, rates can vary significantly, with chain establishments paying $25-$40 per session while independent mid-tier practitioners charge between $60-$100 per session. Self-employed therapists can command anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard one-hour treatment, but they must manage all overhead expenses. Different employment types in Ankeny present varying hourly rates; for instance, positions in franchises like Massage Envy tend to pay less than those in private practice, which allows for better negotiation opportunities and the chance to earn more per session. Ultimately, for those seeking consistent health benefits, accepting a lower hourly pay at established facilities might be worthwhile compared to the higher but less stable income found in independent setups.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ankeny. 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 Ankeny 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