Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $39.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Portland, ME runs $39.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,799 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,688 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Massage therapists in Portland, ME, can expect a median hourly rate of $39.81, a figure significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This competitive hourly pay provides ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers across various employment settings, from bustling spa treatment rooms to serene chiropractic clinics. Those who work three days a week might earn a comfortable income while enjoying work-life balance, benefitting from the diverse range of environments, including sports teams and mobile therapies. The hourly earnings can vary widely, with entry-level therapists starting at $16.54, while top professionals can command upwards of $64.83. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the robust financial prospects for massage therapy in this vibrant city.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.54 | $132.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.30 | $178.38 |
| Median (P50) | $39.81 | $318.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.48 | $395.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.83 | $518.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $39.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.81/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $82,814 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,777. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,592.57 | $6,901 | $82,814 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.54 | $4,141 | $49,688 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.03 | $2,760 | $33,125 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Portland) | $39.81 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $82,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.60% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 34.10% above the Maine state average of $61,744.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.81/hr = $49,688/year (purchasing power: $48,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,814/year (purchasing power: $81,303).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Portland grew 41.3% from $26.58/hr (2019) to $37.55/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.22/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 Portland 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 Portland
For massage therapists operating part-time in Portland, the financial realities can be quite different than the full-time counterparts. A therapist averaging 24 hours of work across three days per week might realize an annual income of about $49,633, significantly more than typical earnings in other local professions. Meanwhile, per diem massage therapists might bill anywhere from $25 to $100 per session at chain spas, but adept self-employed therapists in Portland can earn much more, charging $80 to $150 for an hour-long appointment and up to $200 for mobile services. However, working through franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone often means lower hourly rates in exchange for consistent client flow, while self-employed therapists take on the risk and responsibility of attracting their clientele. Understanding these dynamics, therapists can effectively negotiate their salary based on employer type, experience level, and desired benefits.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Portland 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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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