Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $29.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lowell, MA runs $29.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, the predicted hourly rate for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $29.90, slightly above the national median of $29.80. This means part-time professionals working three days a week can expect a reliable income while enjoying the flexibility of their schedules. Settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home services often characterize massage therapy roles in the area, allowing therapists to adapt their work environment to their personal preferences. For entry-level therapists, hourly rates begin around $17.81, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $46.35, reflecting the diversity in this profession. Those who are self-employed or work for independent practices may have even greater earning potential depending on their client base and marketing strategies.
About the Lowell 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) | $17.81 | $142.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.52 | $180.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.90 | $239.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.28 | $306.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.35 | $370.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $29.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.90/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $62,193 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,881. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.02 | $5,183 | $62,193 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.61 | $3,110 | $37,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.41 | $2,073 | $24,877 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lowell) | $29.90 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $62,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $62,013.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.90/hr = $37,316/year (purchasing power: $34,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,193/year (purchasing power: $57,321).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lowell grew 36.5% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.70/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Considering the financial realities of working part-time, a massage therapist with a 24-hour work week would earn approximately $37,059 annually. In contrast, full-time professionals often see substantial earnings from various employment setups such as chiropractic clinics, hotel spas, and self-employment. Per diem massage therapist pay in Lowell can vary widely—ranging from $25 to $100 per session depending on whether the therapist is affiliated with a chain or operates independently. Therapists who choose to be self-employed often enjoy higher rates, clearing $80 to $150 per session without overhead expenses, yet must handle their own marketing and client acquisition. Additionally, while some therapists accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prefer the financial freedom that comes with higher pay rates but without such support. Practical negotiation strategies can create opportunities for hourly workers to earn above-average rates, especially in a competitive market like Lowell.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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