Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lawrence, MA runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,491 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is set at $29.08 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time; for example, a therapist consistently employed three days a week could significantly enhance their income within this field, commonly found in settings such as spas, chiropractic or physical therapy clinics, and even mobile in-home services. The hourly pay can vary widely, ranging from $17.31 for entry-level practitioners to $45.07 for top earners. The pay reflects estimates derived from annual salary data, indicating that massage therapy offers flexibility for both full-time and per-diem workers who may seek varied engagement across different environments, including hotels and sports team facilities.
About the Lawrence 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) | $17.31 | $138.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.84 | $174.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.23 | $297.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.07 | $360.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,495 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,901. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.36 | $5,041 | $60,495 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.02 | $3,025 | $36,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.34 | $2,016 | $24,198 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lawrence) | $29.08 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $60,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,042.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,297/year (purchasing power: $33,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,495/year (purchasing power: $55,756).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence grew 36.5% from $20.09/hr (2019) to $27.43/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.84/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
The earning potential for part-time professionals in Lawrence is quite substantial. A therapist working 24 hours per week could comfortably bring home over $45,000 annually, a significant income when considered alongside full-time counterparts. Per-diem massage therapist pay can also vary widely—chains typically compensate therapists between $25 and $40 per session, while independent mid-tier practices often pay $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists might charge between $80 and $150 for a standard hour, with mobile services commanding even higher rates of $120 to $200. However, those who work for franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone may find their hourly wages are lower in exchange for a steadier flow of clients and benefits. As therapists navigate this landscape, negotiating for fair pay based on experience and skill, while weighing the balance of benefits versus hourly rates, is crucial for maximizing their overall compensation in such a vibrant market as Lawrence, MA.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lawrence in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lawrence?
Are massage therapists in Lawrence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lawrence?
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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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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