Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, KS: $24.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lawrence, KS runs $24.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,096 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $24.92, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This significant difference in pay reflects the local market dynamics and presents a unique context for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this median wage can still offer reasonable compensation, particularly in private practice or wellness clinics where the client demand may allow for flexible pricing. Entry-level massage therapists in Lawrence can expect to earn around $19.38 per hour, while those reaching the upper end of the professional spectrum can earn as much as $33.19 per hour according to data based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.38 | $155.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.82 | $182.54 |
| Median (P50) | $24.92 | $199.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.47 | $227.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.19 | $265.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $24.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.92/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, KS can expect to earn approximately $51,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,900. With a cost-of-living index of 90.24 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.68 | $4,319 | $51,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.01 | $2,591 | $31,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.67 | $1,728 | $20,731 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lawrence) | $24.92 |
| 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 Lawrence, KS earn a median of $51,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.37% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 8.00% below the Kansas state average of $56,334.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.92/hr = $31,096/year (purchasing power: $34,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,827/year (purchasing power: $57,431).
CoL index: 90.243 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence grew 36.5% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $23.50/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.42/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When analyzing the earning potential of massage therapists in Lawrence, it's evident that part-time practitioners working approximately 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $31,000 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts earning significantly more. For those involved in per diem or locum tenens work, pay can vary considerably based on the setting and clientele; fill-in spa therapists might charge between $25 to $40 per session in franchise setups, while independent therapists can command rates of $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session. Additionally, hourly rates can differ across various employer types in Lawrence, from lower-paying franchise chains like Massage Envy to higher-paying mobile or self-employed practices, where flexibility and client relationships can drive hourly income higher. It's important for massage therapists considering their options in Kansas to weigh the trade-offs between direct pay and the benefits that come with more traditional employment settings, such as health insurance and consistent bookings, while employing negotiation strategies that highlight their expertise and value in the local market.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lawrence?
Are massage therapists in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lawrence?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lawrence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Lawrence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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