Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $25.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Burlington, IA runs $25.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,274 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the median hourly pay for massage therapists is projected to be $25.86 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $29.80. For part-time or per-diem workers, particularly those who may work three days a week, this translates to potential take-home earnings that can vary significantly based on the number of clients seen. The hourly wage range reflects the industry nuances: from entry-level therapists earning about $15.67 to experienced practitioners making upwards of $40.09 per hour. These earning potentials depend on the setting—whether in spas, chiropractic clinics, sports medicine facilities, or mobile setups—which offers differing experiences regarding client volume and service pricing. The hourly rates mentioned are derived from broader annual salary estimates, reflecting the dynamics of the massage therapy profession in Burlington.
About the Burlington 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) | $15.67 | $125.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.84 |
| Median (P50) | $25.86 | $206.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.10 | $264.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.09 | $320.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $25.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.86/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $53,790 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,033. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,034.43 | $4,483 | $53,790 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $620.66 | $2,690 | $32,274 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.77 | $1,793 | $21,516 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Burlington) | $25.86 |
| 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 Burlington, IA earn a median of $53,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.20% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $56,037.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.86/hr = $32,274/year (purchasing power: $35,702).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,790/year (purchasing power: $59,503).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Burlington grew 36.5% from $17.87/hr (2019) to $24.39/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.42/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
When considering the part-time earning potential in Burlington, a therapist working only three days a week might expect an annual income significantly lower than full-time peers. For example, working 24 hours a week at $25.86 per hour results in approximately $32,214 annually. Per-diem massage therapists commonly see compensation that varies by employer type, such as chain spas offering $25 to $40 per session, versus mid-tier independents charging $60 to $100, while self-employed practitioners can earn between $80 and $150 for one-hour sessions. Interestingly, mobile in-home services command higher fees, reaching $120 to $200 per session. With employment options ranging from franchise chains like Massage Envy to independent practices, therapists must navigate the trade-offs of steady bookings versus potentially higher earnings with self-employment. Depending on benefits negotiated, some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance. For those looking to enhance their pay, understanding the local market dynamics and skillfully negotiating terms can significantly affect overall income in Burlington's massage therapy sector.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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