Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $30.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Somerville, MA runs $30.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,874 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the projected hourly pay for massage therapists stands at $30.23, which is slightly above the national average of $29.80. This competitive rate can significantly benefit part-time and per-diem therapists who often navigate flexible work schedules across various environments, such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and even in-home setups. For those working just three days a week, particularly in settings like hotel and cruise ship spas, the hourly earnings can range dramatically, from entry-level positions earning around $17.54 to experienced professionals commanding rates of up to $46.85. Such a broad range highlights the potential for both newcomers and seasoned therapists to shape their earning potential according to their skills and the demand for their services.
About the Somerville 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) | $17.54 | $140.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.30 | $178.38 |
| Median (P50) | $30.23 | $241.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.69 | $309.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.85 | $374.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $30.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.23/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $62,877 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,275. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,209.17 | $5,240 | $62,877 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.50 | $3,144 | $37,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.67 | $2,096 | $25,151 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Somerville) | $30.23 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $62,874 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.45% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $62,006.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.23/hr = $37,726/year (purchasing power: $34,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,877/year (purchasing power: $57,951).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Somerville grew 36.5% from $20.89/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.05/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Looking at the earning potential for part-time and per-diem massage therapists in Somerville provides greater insight into the financial realities of this profession. A massage therapist working three days a week at an average of 24 hours can expect to take home approximately $37,000 annually before taxes, which differs significantly from full-time earnings. Per-diem practitioners, often employed by spas or working as independent contractors, typically see variable pay ranging from $25 to $40 per session with franchise chains, while independent therapists may bill as much as $150 for an hour-long session, especially in cash-pay models. Furthermore, while salaried positions in physical therapy clinics may offer lower hourly wages, they often provide benefits like health insurance—a trade-off that can appeal to many professionals. For those looking to negotiate their rates, understanding the differences in employer types—ranging from franchise chains like Massage Envy to independent practices—can be crucial in maximizing their hourly rate within the competitive Somerville market.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Somerville in 2026?
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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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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