Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, MA: $29.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Fitchburg, MA runs $29.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fitchburg, Massachusetts, massage therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $29.41, which falls slightly below the national hourly median of $29.80. This compensation reflects an appealing option for both part-time and per-diem workers in varied settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, sports teams, and mobile practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a satisfactory income, particularly when factoring in session-based pay for per-diem roles. Hourly earnings range from $17.17 for entry-level positions to $45.58 for experienced professionals. With projected financial growth in the field—an annual increase of 6.03%—the prognosis for massage therapist hourly pay in Fitchburg remains positive, making this an attractive option for those considering entering the profession.
About the Fitchburg 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) | $17.17 | $137.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.78 | $174.23 |
| Median (P50) | $29.41 | $235.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.65 | $301.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.58 | $364.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $29.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.41/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, MA can expect to earn approximately $61,178 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,295. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.51 | $5,098 | $61,178 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.91 | $3,059 | $36,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.60 | $2,039 | $24,471 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Fitchburg) | $29.41 |
| 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 Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $61,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,044.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.41/hr = $36,707/year (purchasing power: $33,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,178/year (purchasing power: $56,386).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Fitchburg grew 36.5% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $27.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.19/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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
Part-time massage therapists working in Fitchburg can take home significant annual earnings even with a three-day schedule (24 hours total). Transitioning into the per-diem space, many therapists find success billing between $25-$40 per session at chain spas and up to $100 for mid-tier independents. Self-employed practitioners may command rates of $80-$150 per hour for cash-pay clients, or even more for premium mobile services. Different employers provide varied compensation structures; franchises like Massage Envy often offer lower hourly rates but supply consistent bookings, which contrasts with the variability found in self-employment. While some therapists opt for the stability of franchise employment, others leverage the opportunity for higher earnings by working independently, even if it means managing their overhead. On the negotiation front, hourly workers should emphasize their skillsets and client-building success to advocate for equitable compensation in Fitchburg's competitive market.
More salary data for Fitchburg, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Fitchburg in 2026?
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Are massage therapists in Fitchburg paid hourly or salary?
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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 Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg 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