Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $24.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Murray, KY runs $24.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,057 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the average massage therapist earns a median hourly rate of $24.89, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This difference can impact the earning potential for part-time therapists, many of whom might work three days a week in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or hotel spas. Given the hourly rate, a part-time therapist could expect to earn around $1,000 to $1,200 per month, depending on the number of clients they see. For newly licensed therapists, the hourly range starts at approximately $16.18, while seasoned professionals commanding higher rates can earn up to $38.57 per hour. When considering employment opportunities, the pay scale remains influenced by various factors, such as location and employer type, making it essential for therapists to understand their worth.
About the Murray 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) | $16.18 | $129.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.58 | $156.67 |
| Median (P50) | $24.89 | $199.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.85 | $254.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.57 | $308.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $24.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.89/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $51,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,862. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.41 | $4,313 | $51,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.25 | $2,588 | $31,057 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.16 | $1,725 | $20,705 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Murray) | $24.89 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $51,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $55,361.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.89/hr = $31,057/year (purchasing power: $34,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,761/year (purchasing power: $57,963).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Murray grew 36.5% from $17.19/hr (2019) to $23.47/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.39/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 Murray 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 Murray
In terms of part-time earning potential, a therapist working 24 hours a week can take home about $31,000 annually, significantly less than what a full-time counterpart might earn. Per diem and agency providers in Murray experience variable compensation, typically earning between $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments, while independent contractors charge significantly more, ranging from $80 to $150 for a one-hour session. This disparity illustrates the trade-off between job security and potential income. In various settings—from independent practices to corporate spas—hourly rates fluctuate greatly based on clientele and services offered. Therapists may have to negotiate pay, particularly when entering the workforce, leveraging competitive rates for cash-pay services or benefits in employment with larger entities. Understanding the local market, especially in Murray, is crucial for crafting a sustainable career path in the massage therapy field.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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