Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $18.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Houma, LA runs $18.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,118 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, the projected median hourly rate for massage therapists in 2026 is $18.81, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This pay level can influence various working arrangements, especially for part-time or per-diem massage therapists. For those working three days a week in potential settings such as spas, physical therapy clinics, or hotel treatment rooms, this hourly rate translates to a modest income for full-time equivalent compensation. The hourly earnings can range from $11.84 for entry-level positions to $29.15 for top earners, suggesting that while there is potential for higher earnings, many therapists may find their pay does not keep pace with national averages, likely affecting their work-life balance and career satisfaction.
About the Houma Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.84 | $94.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.63 | $117.06 |
| Median (P50) | $18.81 | $150.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.07 | $192.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.15 | $233.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $18.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.81/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $39,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,572. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $752.39 | $3,260 | $39,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $451.43 | $1,956 | $23,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.96 | $1,304 | $15,650 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Houma) | $18.81 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $39,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.88% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the Louisiana state average of $40,411.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.81/hr = $23,475/year (purchasing power: $25,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,124/year (purchasing power: $43,327).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Houma grew 36.5% from $13.00/hr (2019) to $17.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.94/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 Houma 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 Houma
Part-time therapists in Houma, working 24 hours a week, can expect to take home approximately $29,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Additionally, per-diem massage therapist pay varies widely depending on the setting—chain spas often pay between $25 to $40 per session, while independent providers may charge between $60 and $100. Self-employed therapists can earn between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session, particularly when working mobile in-home setups where rates can be even higher, extending to $120 to $200. Factors such as employer type play a critical role in pay structure, with franchise chains typically offering less consistent bookings compared to independent practices. Some therapists might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, making it essential to carefully consider job offers. Negotiating pay for hourly work demands clear communication of worth, and the understanding that Houma’s market may necessitate flexibility and strategic planning for therapists looking to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Houma?
Are massage therapists in Houma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Houma?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Houma?
Related Pages
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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 Houma. 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 Houma 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