Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Nicholasville, KY: $26.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Nicholasville, KY runs $26.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,506 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Nicholasville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,698 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nicholasville, KY, the projected median hourly pay for a massage therapist in 2026 is $26.20, which is notably below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate can impact various working arrangements, especially for part-time therapists who may choose to work three days a week, as well as those engaged in per-diem roles. In settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile practices, the hourly earnings can vary significantly. Entry-level therapists may earn as little as $15.20, while top earners can make up to $40.62 per hour. Understanding this range is essential for professionals considering both commuting and the dynamic nature of the work environment in Nicholasville.
About the Nicholasville 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) | $15.20 | $121.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.36 | $154.89 |
| Median (P50) | $26.20 | $209.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.54 | $268.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.62 | $324.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nicholasville
Based on $26.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.20/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nicholasville, KY can expect to earn approximately $54,496 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,440. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nicholasville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nicholasville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,048.00 | $4,541 | $54,496 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.80 | $2,725 | $32,698 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.20 | $1,817 | $21,798 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Nicholasville) | $26.20 |
| 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 Nicholasville, KY earn a median of $54,506 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $55,336.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.20/hr = $32,698/year (purchasing power: $36,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,496/year (purchasing power: $61,026).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Nicholasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Nicholasville grew 36.5% from $18.10/hr (2019) to $24.71/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.78/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 Nicholasville 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 Nicholasville
For part-time therapists working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can differ markedly from their full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency workers often experience varying compensation, billing clients between $25-$40 per session at chain establishments, and possibly reaching up to $150 for self-employed cash-pay sessions. As for hourly rates in Nicholasville, spas and wellness centers typically pay less than private practitioners, with benefits at larger chains often enticing professionals to accept lower rates. However, therapists may opt for higher pay and fewer benefits if they are self-employed. For those negotiating their rates, highlighting certifications from organizations like ABMP or AMTA can enhance earning potential. It's crucial for therapists to assess not just immediate pay, but also long-term career goals and the trade-offs involved in different employment types.
More salary data for Nicholasville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Nicholasville in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Nicholasville?
Are massage therapists in Nicholasville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Nicholasville?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Nicholasville?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Nicholasville. 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 Nicholasville 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