Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $29.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Waltham, MA runs $29.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,217 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to average around $29.02 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate presents opportunities for part-time professionals working in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, where the flexibility can accommodate a 3-day workweek. Such a schedule can yield a considerable income, depending on the number of clients seen each day. For entry-level massage therapists, hourly pay starts at approximately $17.18, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $44.98 per hour. These figures illustrate a competitive hourly range influenced by factors like experience, the establishment's type, and the demand for therapeutic services.
About the Waltham 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) | $17.18 | $137.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.80 |
| Median (P50) | $29.02 | $232.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.14 | $297.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.98 | $359.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $29.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.02/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $60,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,824. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.82 | $5,030 | $60,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.49 | $3,018 | $36,217 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.33 | $2,012 | $24,145 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Waltham) | $29.02 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $60,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.61% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,034.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.02/hr = $36,217/year (purchasing power: $33,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,362/year (purchasing power: $55,634).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Waltham grew 36.5% from $20.05/hr (2019) to $27.37/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.77/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
For part-time massage therapists working three days a week, or about 24 hours, the annual income can range significantly compared to full-time peers. In terms of per-diem work, compensation varies widely; many therapists billing through chains may earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners can charge $80 to $150 for an hour-long session. Those offering in-home services may even command $120 to $200. Different employers have varying compensation models; for instance, franchises like Massage Envy often offer lower rates for more consistent scheduling, while private practice can result in a higher hourly income, albeit with more risks and responsibilities. When negotiating hourly rates in Waltham, therapists should consider the trade-offs between potential health benefits from employers and the higher rates available for self-employed positions, ensuring to present their skills and specialization effectively to maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Waltham in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Waltham?
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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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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