Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Rockville, MD: $31.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Rockville, MD runs $31.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,039 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Rockville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Rockville, Maryland, earn a median hourly pay of $31.75, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This competitive rate allows for considerable earning potential, especially for part-time therapists working three days a week, or those taking on per-diem roles in settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or mobile practices. The hourly pay scale in Rockville ranges from $18.88 for entry-level positions to $49.21 for top earners, reflecting the diversity of experience levels and types of treatment offered. The figures provided are estimated from annual salary data, illustrating the local market dynamics and the attractive hourly rates compared to other regions.
About the Rockville 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) | $18.88 | $151.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.15 | $185.17 |
| Median (P50) | $31.75 | $253.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.64 | $325.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.21 | $393.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockville
Based on $31.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.75/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockville, MD can expect to earn approximately $66,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,094. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rockville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.82 | $5,503 | $66,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.89 | $3,302 | $39,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.93 | $2,201 | $26,412 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Rockville) | $31.75 |
| 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 Rockville, MD earn a median of $66,039 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $67,732.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.75/hr = $39,618/year (purchasing power: $36,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,030/year (purchasing power: $60,412).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Rockville grew 36.5% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $29.94/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.66/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 Rockville 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 Rockville
When evaluating the financial landscape of massage therapy in Rockville, especially for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, the income can vary significantly across employer types. A three-day workweek might yield around $29,000 annually for a therapist operating at the median hourly rate. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Rockville typically ranges from $25 to $100 per session, depending on if they are in a chain or independent practice. Self-employed therapists can command higher rates, averaging between $80 and $150 per session, although they are responsible for their marketing and overhead costs. The trade-off between hourly rates and employee benefits often leads therapists to weigh the stability of franchise work against the lucrative potential of independent practice. For effective pay negotiation, knowing the local market rates and leveraging skills and experience can significantly influence offers, particularly in a city like Rockville where demand for skilled practitioners continues to grow.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Rockville in 2026?
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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 Rockville. 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 Rockville 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