Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Dartmouth, MA: $29.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Dartmouth, MA runs $29.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,419 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Dartmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,257 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $29.05, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This wage offers a viable option for both full-time and part-time therapists working various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For those on a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week, this hourly pay can support a balanced lifestyle while still providing the opportunity for substantial earnings. With an estimated hourly range of $16.85 for entry-level positions to $45.02 for the highest earners, professionals can expect a diverse income depending on experience and client volume. As the 2026 estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, potential massage therapists in Dartmouth can assess various job opportunities based on realistic earnings in their area.
About the Dartmouth 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) | $16.85 | $134.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.07 | $168.55 |
| Median (P50) | $29.05 | $232.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.18 | $297.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.02 | $360.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dartmouth
Based on $29.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.05/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dartmouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,429 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,863. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dartmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dartmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,162.09 | $5,036 | $60,429 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.25 | $3,021 | $36,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.84 | $2,014 | $24,171 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Dartmouth) | $29.05 |
| 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 Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $60,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,032.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.05/hr = $36,257/year (purchasing power: $33,417).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,429/year (purchasing power: $55,695).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Dartmouth grew 36.5% from $20.07/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.80/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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Many massage therapists in Dartmouth face the choice between steady employment and higher self-employed income potential. For instance, a therapist working part-time at 24 hours per week could bring home about $45,216 annually compared to a full-time therapist who would earn significantly more at a full-time capacity. Furthermore, per diem massage therapist pay in Dartmouth varies, with many professionals billing anywhere from $25 to $100 per session based on their employment setting. Mobile and self-employed therapists can often charge clients $80 to $200 per session, particularly if they market their services effectively. This variation reflects the trade-offs therapists make between stable income with benefits in a clinical setting versus the lucrative opportunities that come with self-employment. When negotiating hourly rates, therapists should consider their client roster, advertising costs, and any benefits they may forfeit when choosing between employment types.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Dartmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Dartmouth?
Are massage therapists in Dartmouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Dartmouth?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Dartmouth?
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 Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth 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