Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Florence, KY: $26.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Florence, KY runs $26.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Florence, Kentucky, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $26.37 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This figure provides insight into the earnings potential for part-time and per-diem massage therapists, who often work in environments like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile setups. With an hourly range spanning from $15.60 for entry-level positions to $40.86 for top earners, there are various opportunities for both novice and seasoned professionals. The hourly rates reflected here are estimated based on annual salary data, influencing how therapists plan their work schedules and financial expectations, especially in a state like Kentucky where the cost of living is below the national average.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.60 | $124.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.68 | $157.43 |
| Median (P50) | $26.37 | $210.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.75 | $269.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.86 | $326.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $26.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.37/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, KY can expect to earn approximately $54,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,644. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,054.79 | $4,571 | $54,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $632.87 | $2,742 | $32,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.91 | $1,828 | $21,940 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Florence) | $26.37 |
| 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 Florence, KY earn a median of $54,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $55,339.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.37/hr = $32,909/year (purchasing power: $36,853).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,849/year (purchasing power: $61,421).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Florence grew 36.5% from $18.22/hr (2019) to $24.87/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.96/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 Florence 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 Florence
Analyzing the financial landscape for part-time massage therapists in Florence, those working three days a week typically gross about $33,753 each year, as opposed to their full-time counterparts. Per diem massage therapists might charge anywhere from $25-$40 per session at chain establishments, while independent practitioners can command rates as high as $150 for standard 60-minute appointments. This indicates a pronounced earnings disparity based on employer type and therapist affiliation. Although working for franchises like Massage Envy may offer more predictable client bookings, it generally comes with lower hourly compensation compared to independent practices. Understanding how to negotiate these rates is essential; therapists might accept slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance or opt for higher rates with cash-pay solo practices, each decision reflecting personal financial priorities and career goals.
More salary data for Florence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Florence?
Are massage therapists in Florence 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 Florence. 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 Florence 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