Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kenner, LA: $19.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kenner, LA runs $19.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,611 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kenner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kenner, LA, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $19.04, which falls significantly below the national median of $29.80. This rate reflects the broader employment landscape in the region, where many massage therapists work part-time in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. Those working part-time for three days a week may see their earnings differ considerably, given the hourly wage range from $11.47 at the lower end to $29.52 at the higher end. This disparity can impact choices for per-diem therapists, who might seek positions in environments that offer different billing practices, adopting flexible schedules to accommodate additional income goals or personal commitments. The hourly rates typically calculated from theoretical annual salaries illustrate the economic dynamics in Kenner’s massage therapy field.
About the Kenner 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) | $11.47 | $91.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.41 | $115.28 |
| Median (P50) | $19.04 | $152.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.38 | $195.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.52 | $236.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenner
Based on $19.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.04/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenner, LA can expect to earn approximately $39,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,852. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kenner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $761.72 | $3,301 | $39,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $457.03 | $1,980 | $23,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.69 | $1,320 | $15,844 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kenner) | $19.04 |
| 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 Kenner, LA earn a median of $39,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.09% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $40,419.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.04/hr = $23,766/year (purchasing power: $26,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,609/year (purchasing power: $43,864).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kenner grew 36.5% from $13.16/hr (2019) to $17.96/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.19/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 Kenner 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 Kenner
Exploring the financial realities for massage therapists reveals that a part-time practitioner working three days a week might anticipate an annual take-home pay considerably less than their full-time counterparts. While they could expect to earn a stable income of approximately $24,000 based on a typical 24-hour workweek, those willing to enter per-diem roles have the potential to increase their earnings substantially per session. For instance, therapists auditioning through chains may charge between $25 to $40 per session, whereas independent practices might see rates soar to as much as $100 or more per session. The choice of an employer significantly influences hourly compensation, as resorts and franchises typically provide steadiness but lower pay than self-employed opportunities, where skilled therapists can command $80-$150 per hour for focused sessions. Therapists must weigh their options, negotiating for benefits or higher pay without employer constraints. For those considering their career in Kenner, utilizing local demand insights can drive discussions about wages and employment terms, ensuring they align with both personal goals and market realities.
More salary data for Kenner, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Kenner in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Kenner?
Are massage therapists in Kenner paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Kenner?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kenner?
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 Kenner. 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 Kenner 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