Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $18.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Natchitoches, LA runs $18.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,780 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,667 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $18.16, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This disparity highlights the challenges that local professionals face, especially when compared to national averages. For massage therapists working part-time—perhaps just three days a week—this translates to about $1,300 monthly, a figure that can sustain a modest lifestyle given the city's cost of living index of 90.3. The hourly rate also varies, with entry-level positions earning around $11.71 and more seasoned therapists, especially those who may cater to niche markets, possibly making up to $28.15. These professionals typically find employment in diverse settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and even in mobile setups, presenting a mix of opportunities for part-time and per-diem work.
About the Natchitoches 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) | $11.71 | $93.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.27 | $114.17 |
| Median (P50) | $18.16 | $145.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.16 | $185.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.15 | $225.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $18.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.16/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,779 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,796. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $726.52 | $3,148 | $37,779 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $435.91 | $1,889 | $22,667 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.61 | $1,259 | $15,112 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Natchitoches) | $18.16 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $37,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.04% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $40,449.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.16/hr = $22,667/year (purchasing power: $25,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,779/year (purchasing power: $41,837).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Natchitoches grew 36.5% from $12.55/hr (2019) to $17.13/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.26/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
When looking at part-time earnings, a massage therapist working 24 hours per week could take home roughly $15,600 annually, whereas full-time therapists might approach around $37,780. For per-diem massage therapists in Natchitoches, session rates can vary significantly; while chain spas may pay $25 to $40 per session, independent practices can command $60 to $100, adding an extra layer of earning potential for skilled therapists. Self-employed practitioners can even charge between $80 and $150 for a typical session, benefiting from a more flexible schedule but incurring greater operational costs. The difference in hourly rates across types of employers in Natchitoches reflects important choices for therapists—those who value benefits like health insurance may prefer roles that offer lower pay while those prioritizing cash earnings may gravitate to self-employed or mobile positions. Negotiating a fair pay rate in this context is essential, and therapists are encouraged to research local rates, especially considering their unique skill set and client base, to ensure they receive competitive remuneration for their valuable services.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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