Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $27.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Dubuque, IA runs $27.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,692 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, massage therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.26, which is slightly lower than the national median of $29.80. This rate presents a favorable opportunity for part-time workers, especially those clocking in three days a week, who can find flexible positions in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. Given the estimated hourly range from $15.81 at the entry level to $42.24 for top earners, there is room for growth and increased earnings for those with additional certifications or experience. For therapists working in dedicated treatment rooms at hotels or cruise ships, or who manage their own in-home setups, the hourly pay reflects the service's demand and client preferences, with some professionals carving out lucrative niches for themselves.
About the Dubuque 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) | $15.81 | $126.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.40 |
| Median (P50) | $27.26 | $218.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.88 | $279.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.24 | $337.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $27.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.26/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,701 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,712. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,090.41 | $4,725 | $56,701 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.25 | $2,835 | $34,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.17 | $1,890 | $22,681 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Dubuque) | $27.26 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $56,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.52% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $56,020.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.26/hr = $34,021/year (purchasing power: $37,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,701/year (purchasing power: $62,723).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+72.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Dubuque grew 53.4% from $16.76/hr (2019) to $25.71/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.90/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
With a projected annual growth rate of 6.03%, the part-time earning potential for a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can translate into approximately $33,845 annually. For per-diem massage therapists, hourly billing varies widely; chain spas may offer $25 to $40 per session, while independent therapists tend to see rates between $60 and $100 per session. Those operating as self-employed providers can charge between $80 and $150 for each 60-minute session, with mobile therapists commanding even higher fees at $120 to $200. In terms of employer types, rates differ significantly, with franchise operations typically paying less than independent practices, although franchises do provide a steady stream of clientele. Negotiation is key; understanding the local market and the value you offer can help secure better pay, especially for those considered long-term employees versus casual fills or gig workers.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Dubuque in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Dubuque?
Are massage therapists in Dubuque paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Dubuque?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Dubuque?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Dubuque. 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 Dubuque 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