Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $25.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Ottumwa, IA runs $25.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,282 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Ottumwa, Iowa, earn a median hourly rate of $25.07. When compared to the national median hourly pay of $29.80, this figure reflects a 15.89% lower earning potential within the region. For professionals opting for part-time schedules, such as working three days a week, the income can vary significantly depending on the type of practice they engage in. Many therapists find employment in venues like spas or chiropractic clinics, while others may work in sports team settings, hotel spas, or as mobile therapists. The hourly pay ranges from about $16.07 for entry-level positions to approximately $38.85 for top earners, showcasing a variety of earning potentials based on experience and practice type. This diversity highlights the importance of choosing the right practice environment to maximize hourly pay.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $16.07 | $128.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.50 |
| Median (P50) | $25.07 | $200.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.07 | $256.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.85 | $310.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $25.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.07/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $52,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,079. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.62 | $4,345 | $52,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.57 | $2,607 | $31,282 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.05 | $1,738 | $20,854 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Ottumwa) | $25.07 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $52,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.89% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $56,050.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.07/hr = $31,282/year (purchasing power: $34,604).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,136/year (purchasing power: $57,673).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Ottumwa grew 36.5% from $17.32/hr (2019) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.58/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
For massage therapists considering part-time work in Ottumwa, the earnings differ notably when calculated annually. A therapist working 24 hours a week could potentially take home around $31,000 per year, significantly less than a full-time income. Per diem massage therapists frequently work through agencies or spas, billing between $25-$40 per session in chain establishments, while independent practitioners can charge between $60-$100 for their services— with some going as high as $150 for a cash-pay session. Hourly rates can also vary depending on whether therapists are affiliated with established franchises like Massage Envy or operate their own independent practices. While employment with a franchise may offer more stability through consistent client bookings, self-employed therapists can command higher rates at the expense of bearing their own costs. Consequently, negotiation skills are essential, especially for those working in more competitive environments in Ottumwa. Understanding the nuances of hourly pay across various settings can help therapists strategize their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Ottumwa in 2026?
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Are massage therapists in Ottumwa paid hourly or salary?
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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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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