Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Shrewsbury, MA: $28.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Shrewsbury, MA runs $28.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,298 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Shrewsbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,582 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the massage therapist hourly rate stands at $28.51, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80 per hour. This rate is significant for professionals working in various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports team training facilities, and hotel spas. For those considering part-time work at three days a week, this translates into a flexible pay structure that accommodates different lifestyles and commitments. With an hourly range from $17.52 at the entry-level to as much as $44.19 for top earners, the job's pay can vary widely based on experience, location, and the specific employer type. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting trends in the evolving massage therapy industry, particularly in Shrewsbury's diverse wellness environment.
About the Shrewsbury 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) | $17.52 | $140.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.76 | $174.06 |
| Median (P50) | $28.51 | $228.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.50 | $291.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.19 | $353.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shrewsbury
Based on $28.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shrewsbury, MA can expect to earn approximately $59,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,214. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shrewsbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shrewsbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,140.46 | $4,942 | $59,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.28 | $2,965 | $35,582 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.18 | $1,977 | $23,722 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Shrewsbury) | $28.51 |
| 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 Shrewsbury, MA earn a median of $59,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.32% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,028.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.51/hr = $35,582/year (purchasing power: $32,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,304/year (purchasing power: $54,658).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Shrewsbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Shrewsbury grew 36.5% from $19.70/hr (2019) to $26.89/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Shrewsbury 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 Shrewsbury
Part-time massage therapists in Shrewsbury, for instance, may work around 24 hours a week, translating into an annual take-home pay significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Considering the per diem or agency model, which often sees fill-in therapists earning between $25 and $100 per session, many find that per diem massage therapist pay in Shrewsbury can be variable yet rewarding, especially in independent settings charging cash-pay of $80 to $150 for hour-long sessions. Employment types also matter; while franchise chains like Massage Envy may offer more consistent bookings, they typically come with lower hourly earnings compared to self-employed practitioners who need to manage their overhead and marketing. Therapists in Shrewsbury must weigh the benefits of job security against the higher potential earnings of self-employment. Negotiation on pay rates can be advantageous, given the competitive nature of the industry, allowing therapists to secure positions that fit their financial needs and career aspirations better.
More salary data for Shrewsbury, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Shrewsbury in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Shrewsbury?
Are massage therapists in Shrewsbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Shrewsbury?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Shrewsbury?
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 Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury 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