Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Brookline, MA: $28.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Brookline, MA runs $28.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Brookline's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Brookline, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $28.92, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate offers a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time workers, as well as those engaged in per-diem roles. For a therapist working part-time, say three days a week, the income can range significantly across various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. Entry-level positions might start around $16.98 per hour, while experienced therapists in high-demand areas can earn as much as $44.83. Each of these figures reflects industry norms and local demand, showcasing the diverse possibilities for massage practitioners in Brookline.
About the Brookline Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.98 | $135.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.55 | $172.36 |
| Median (P50) | $28.92 | $231.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.03 | $296.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.83 | $358.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookline
Based on $28.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.92/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookline, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,164 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,710. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brookline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.00 | $5,014 | $60,164 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.20 | $3,008 | $36,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.80 | $2,005 | $24,066 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Brookline) | $28.92 |
| 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 Brookline, MA earn a median of $60,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.93% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,022.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.92/hr = $36,098/year (purchasing power: $33,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,164/year (purchasing power: $55,451).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Brookline grew 36.5% from $19.99/hr (2019) to $27.28/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.67/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 Brookline 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 Brookline
When considering part-time earnings, a therapist working 24 hours a week could take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The per-diem massage therapist pay in Brookline can vary widely, with therapists at chain spas typically billing $25 to $40 per session, while those in independent practices might charge $60 to $100. Self-employed therapists often command cash rates between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session, especially in mobile and in-home setups, where the premium can reach $120 to $200. In Brookline, hourly incomes are influenced by the type of employer, with franchise chains like Massage Envy often offering lower rates compared to self-employed practitioners. For those weighing their options, negotiating a balance between a steadier income with benefits and a higher hourly rate without benefits becomes a key consideration. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for any massage therapist in Brookline aiming to optimize their hourly pay while navigating the unique circumstances of the profession.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Brookline. 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 Brookline 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