Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $17.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Sulphur, LA runs $17.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sulphur, Louisiana, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $17.97 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate reflects not only the local market but also several factors affecting job availability and therapist income potential. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this pay translates to varied weekly earnings. Massage therapists often practice in environments like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, or even in-home settings. The hourly wage range for this profession in Sulphur starts at $11.35 for entry-level positions and can go up to $27.85 for the most experienced practitioners, allowing for some flexibility in earning based on skill level and client base.
About the Sulphur 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) | $11.35 | $90.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.90 | $111.20 |
| Median (P50) | $17.97 | $143.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.01 | $184.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.85 | $222.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $17.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.97/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $37,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,567. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $718.88 | $3,115 | $37,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $431.33 | $1,869 | $22,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $287.55 | $1,246 | $14,953 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Sulphur) | $17.97 |
| 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 Sulphur, LA earn a median of $37,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.68% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $40,416.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.97/hr = $22,429/year (purchasing power: $24,838).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,382/year (purchasing power: $41,397).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Sulphur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Sulphur grew 36.5% from $12.42/hr (2019) to $16.95/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.06/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
Earning potential for part-time therapists in Sulphur presents a unique financial landscape. A massage therapist working 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $22,095 annually, which may be suitable for those looking for flexibility. Among per-diem massage therapists, billing rates vary widely; session rates at chain spas generally range from $25 to $40, while independent practitioners can charge between $60 and $100. Cash-pay therapists operating their own businesses can command rates of $80 to $150 per hour for a session. Although franchise jobs like those at Massage Envy often provide more consistent bookings, they typically offer lower wages compared to independent practices, where therapists retain a greater share of the income but assume more risk. Skillful negotiation can be beneficial, particularly when discussing hourly wages with employers; understanding the differences in pay across settings, including hotels versus in-home practices, can help determine the best financial path.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Sulphur?
Are massage therapists in Sulphur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Sulphur?
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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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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