Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $29.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Methuen, MA runs $29.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,694 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for a massage therapist stands at $29.40, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate indicates promising earning potential for those working part-time or per diem in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports medicine centers, and mobile practices. For instance, a part-time therapist working three days per week could earn a stable income while enjoying flexibility in their schedule. The hourly rate can vary widely from $17.98 for entry-level positions to $45.57 for more experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within Methuen’s massage therapy market.
About the Methuen 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) | $17.98 | $143.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.47 | $179.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.40 | $235.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.63 | $301.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.57 | $364.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $29.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.40/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $61,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,283. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.08 | $5,096 | $61,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.65 | $3,058 | $36,694 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.43 | $2,039 | $24,463 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Methuen) | $29.40 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $61,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.33% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,020.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.40/hr = $36,694/year (purchasing power: $33,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,156/year (purchasing power: $56,365).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Methuen grew 36.5% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.18/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
For a massage therapist working part-time, specifically three days a week, the annual income can be considerably lower compared to a full-time schedule. Typically, a 24-hour workweek translates to approximately $36,672 annually, significantly less than what full-time therapists might earn. Per diem massage therapists in Methuen can charge different rates, depending on their work environment; those employed by chain spas might earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners can charge $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session. The employment setting significantly affects pay, with franchise operations often offering more stability at lower rates compared to self-employed practices, which come with higher earning potential but also greater risk and overhead. When negotiating hourly wages, local massage practitioners are advised to consider the benefits trade-off: while lower hourly rates may come with health insurance and other perks, higher rates in independent settings may require covering costs themselves. Understanding these dynamics can help massage therapists in Methuen make more informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Methuen?
Are massage therapists in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Methuen?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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