Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $30.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Laurel, MD runs $30.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, the projected hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $30.94, positioning it slightly above the national median of $29.80. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists who typically work in diverse environments such as spas, chiropractic offices, sports training facilities, and mobile setups. For those working only three days a week, their earnings are reflective of this hourly rate that ranges from $18.69 for entry-level positions to $47.95 for experienced professionals. This hourly compensation is derived from overall annual salary estimates, indicating that the market for massage therapist hourly pay in Laurel is quite competitive, particularly when viewed through the lens of different job settings.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.69 | $149.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.38 | $187.04 |
| Median (P50) | $30.94 | $247.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.60 | $316.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.95 | $383.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $30.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.94/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $64,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,127. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.58 | $5,363 | $64,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.55 | $3,218 | $38,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.03 | $2,145 | $25,742 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Laurel) | $30.94 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $64,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $67,734.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.94/hr = $38,613/year (purchasing power: $35,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,354/year (purchasing power: $58,879).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Laurel grew 36.5% from $21.38/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.81/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Considering the potential earnings for part-time and per-diem massage therapists in Laurel reveals significant income variability. A therapist working just 24 hours weekly could earn around $37,144 annually based on the median hourly rate, while those filling in as per-diem therapists often charge $25 to $40 per session at chain spas, and up to $100 at independent venues. Cash-based practices can draw in $80 to $150 per session, and those in mobile setups may command $120 to $200. While franchise positions may offer more job security and consistent bookings, they typically present lower pay than self-employed setups where therapists manage their marketing expenses. Negotiating for higher hourly rates can be crucial for therapists who are independent; understanding the salary expectations across various employer types, from day spas to integrative medicine programs, enables massage therapists to make informed decisions about their careers in Laurel, MD.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Laurel?
Are massage therapists in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
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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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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