Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $28.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Chelmsford, MA runs $28.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,961 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $28.34, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This position offers various working avenues such as part-time commitments or per-diem roles, prevalent in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, or hotel treatment rooms. A therapist working three days a week can enjoy flexibility while earning wages that range from $17.04 for entry-level positions to $43.94 for seasoned professionals. This hourly compensation format is beneficial for both employers and employees, providing an easily calculable metric for earnings that reflects the diverse nature of work environments, from mobile in-home therapy to established clinics.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $17.04 | $136.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.45 | $171.60 |
| Median (P50) | $28.34 | $226.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.28 | $290.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.94 | $351.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $28.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.34/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $58,951 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,010. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,133.67 | $4,913 | $58,951 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $680.20 | $2,948 | $35,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.47 | $1,965 | $23,580 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Chelmsford) | $28.34 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $58,961 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $61,999.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.34/hr = $35,371/year (purchasing power: $32,600).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,951/year (purchasing power: $54,333).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Chelmsford grew 36.5% from $19.58/hr (2019) to $26.73/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.05/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
In exploring the practicalities of part-time employment, a therapist working 24 hours per week would measure their annual take-home earnings against a full-time salary. For those engaged in per diem work, the landscape varies significantly based on session fees. Chain spas typically compensate between $25-$40 per session, whereas mid-tier independents can bill $60-$100. On the self-employed front, therapists might command $80-$150 for each 60-minute session, especially in mobile setups. Additionally, hourly rates fluctuate depending on employer type, with franchises like Massage Envy offering lower pay compared to those managing independent practices, which might yield higher earnings. Therapists must balance financial benefits with the stability of benefits and work hours, often opting for lower pay with health insurance. Knowing how to negotiate hourly rates effectively in Chelmsford could mean the difference between a steady income or pursuing more lucrative opportunities in the independent sphere.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Chelmsford?
Are massage therapists in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Chelmsford?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chelmsford?
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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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