Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in New Iberia, LA: $18.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in New Iberia, LA runs $18.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against New Iberia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,985 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in New Iberia, Louisiana, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $18.42, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This pay scale reflects the local economic conditions and the entry-level to experienced professionals in the field, ranging from $11.04 at the lower end to about $28.54 for the top earners. For individuals working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly wage can be an attractive option, particularly in flexible environments like spas, chiropractic clinics, sports teams, and even home-based practices. Such flexibility allows massage therapists to optimize their work schedules and income potential, whether they work in established facilities or offer services on a per-diem basis.
About the New Iberia 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) | $11.04 | $88.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.86 | $110.86 |
| Median (P50) | $18.42 | $147.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.57 | $188.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.54 | $228.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Iberia
Based on $18.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.42/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Iberia, LA can expect to earn approximately $38,308 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,101. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Iberia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Iberia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $736.70 | $3,192 | $38,308 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.02 | $1,915 | $22,985 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.68 | $1,277 | $15,323 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (New Iberia) | $18.42 |
| 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 New Iberia, LA earn a median of $38,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.20% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.30% below the Louisiana state average of $40,443.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.42/hr = $22,985/year (purchasing power: $25,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,308/year (purchasing power: $42,423).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in New Iberia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in New Iberia grew 36.5% from $12.73/hr (2019) to $17.37/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.53/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 New Iberia 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 New Iberia
Considering the dynamics of part-time earnings, a therapist working 24 hours a week earns approximately $22,919 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time salaries. Per-diem massage therapist pay in New Iberia fluctuates widely, with those in franchise settings typically billing around $25 to $40 per session, while independent practitioners may charge $80 to $150 per session. Variations in hourly rates also reflect the type of employment; for instance, a therapist in a spa may earn less than a self-employed individual but gain benefits such as health insurance and steady client flow. For professionals navigating their career decisions, understanding these trade-offs alongside practical negotiation tips—like discussing flexible hours or incentives for repeat clients—can greatly improve their earning potential while balancing personal and professional priorities in the massage therapy field.
More salary data for New Iberia, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in New Iberia in 2026?
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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 New Iberia. 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 New Iberia 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