Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in West Des Moines, IA: $38.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in West Des Moines, IA runs $38.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,636 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against West Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,783 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in West Des Moines, IA, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.29, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This attractive rate makes the profession appealing for part-time workers looking to engage in flexible schedules across various settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile services. A therapist working three days a week could potentially earn a substantial income, while those at the entry level can anticipate starting around $22.91 per hour. Conversely, seasoned professionals in this field might see earnings as high as $59.34 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the region. The variability in hourly rates underscores both the demand for skilled practitioners and the potential for varying work environments, including hotel spas and home-based practices.
About the West Des Moines 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) | $22.91 | $183.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.01 | $224.11 |
| Median (P50) | $38.29 | $306.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.01 | $392.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.34 | $474.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Des Moines
Based on $38.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $79,638 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,945. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,531.50 | $6,636 | $79,638 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $918.90 | $3,982 | $47,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.60 | $2,655 | $31,855 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (West Des Moines) | $38.29 |
| 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 West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $79,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.50% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 42.10% above the Iowa state average of $56,042.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.29/hr = $47,783/year (purchasing power: $52,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,638/year (purchasing power: $88,095).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in West Des Moines grew 36.5% from $26.45/hr (2019) to $36.11/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.60/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 West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines
For part-time massage therapists in West Des Moines, the financial outlook can be promising. A therapist working 24 hours a week can realistically expect to take home around $47,661 annually, offering an attractive income compared to other part-time roles. For those considering per-diem positions, the pay can vary widely: chain spas might offer $25-$40 per session, while mid-tier independent practices could range from $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed practitioners might charge $80-$150 cash-pay for an hour of service and even $120-$200 for mobile in-home sessions. The type of employment also significantly influences hourly rates, with franchise positions typically offering lower pay but more stable bookings, contrary to the higher earnings potential of self-employed individuals who face more uncertainty. For effective negotiations, therapists should emphasize their skills and certifications from organizations like ABMP or AMTA to leverage better pay in West Des Moines while determining their balance between steady earnings and benefits.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in West Des Moines in 2026?
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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 West Des Moines. 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 West Des Moines 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