Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Muskegon, MI: $34.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Muskegon, MI runs $34.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,330 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Muskegon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,794 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muskegon, Michigan, the projected massage therapist hourly pay stands at $34.29, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This means that part-time therapists, potentially working three days a week, can earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Those operating in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices benefit from an hourly range that begins at approximately $19.89 for entry-level positions and can reach as high as $53.15 for seasoned professionals. The comprehensive earning potential available allows therapists to choose how they want to structure their work, be it per-diem, self-employed, or traditional employment.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.89 | $159.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.90 | $199.17 |
| Median (P50) | $34.29 | $274.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.90 | $351.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.15 | $425.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskegon
Based on $34.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskegon, MI can expect to earn approximately $71,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,148. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskegon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskegon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,371.60 | $5,944 | $71,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $822.96 | $3,566 | $42,794 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.64 | $2,377 | $28,529 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Muskegon) | $34.29 |
| 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 Muskegon, MI earn a median of $71,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $73,159.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.29/hr = $42,794/year (purchasing power: $45,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,323/year (purchasing power: $76,527).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Muskegon grew 36.5% from $23.69/hr (2019) to $32.34/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.36/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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon
The earning landscape for part-time massage therapists can differ significantly, especially when considering a typical workload of 24 hours each week. While a full-time therapist may enjoy a steady income, those working part-time can still bring in a commendable annual amount, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. For per diem massage therapists in Muskegon, typical pay per session ranges widely based on employer type and experience—chain spas might offer $25 to $40, while mid-tier independent practices can pay up to $100 per session. Self-employed individuals charging cash pay can command anywhere from $80 to $150 per session, with mobile services often earning even more. As they consider their hourly rates, therapists must weigh factors such as healthcare benefits versus higher pay rates without benefits offered by private practice. A strategic approach to negotiation is essential, especially when deciding between franchise employment and self-employment, so that therapists can align their financial goals with their professional paths.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 Muskegon. 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 Muskegon 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