Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $26.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Independence, KY runs $26.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,904 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $26.40, which is lower than the national median of $29.80. This discrepancy may impact both part-time and per-diem workers, who commonly operate in various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. The hourly pay range for massage therapists in this area spans from $15.66 for entry-level positions to $40.92 for the most experienced practitioners. These figures are derived from annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of what professionals can expect to earn on an hourly basis as they navigate their careers in the local market.
About the Independence 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) | $15.66 | $125.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.94 |
| Median (P50) | $26.40 | $211.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.79 | $270.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.92 | $327.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $26.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.40/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $54,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,682. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.06 | $4,576 | $54,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.64 | $2,746 | $32,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.42 | $1,831 | $21,966 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Independence) | $26.40 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $54,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $55,347.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.40/hr = $32,949/year (purchasing power: $36,897).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,915/year (purchasing power: $61,495).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Independence grew 36.5% from $18.24/hr (2019) to $24.90/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.99/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 Independence 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 Independence
When considering part-time employment, a massage therapist working three days a week might take home about $33,072 annually, compared to a full-time therapist earning closer to $54,904. Per-diem or agency massage therapists in Independence often charge between $25 and $100 per session, depending on their employer and client base. Self-employed therapists who offer cash-pay services can demand significantly higher rates, potentially earning $80 to $150 per session, and mobile services may reach as high as $200 per appointment. As such, massage therapists often face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly rates with the benefits of steady employment versus higher hourly pay without benefits in self-employment. Negotiating rates effectively is crucial, especially in a competitive environment like Independence, where variations among employer types—from franchise chains like Massage Envy to independent practices—can significantly influence earning potential.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Independence?
Are massage therapists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Independence?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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