Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Mankato, MN: $28.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Mankato, MN runs $28.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Mankato's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,212 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mankato, Minnesota, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.21. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $29.80. For massage therapists considering part-time or per-diem employment, this hourly rate can translate into varying weekly earnings depending on the setting. For example, a part-time therapist working three days a week may average around 24 hours, resulting in roughly $2,694 monthly or about $32,328 annually. These professionals can find work in various environments such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports team facilities, and mobile or home-based practices. Entry-level therapists might earn as little as $17.60 per hour, while top earners can pull in as much as $43.74 hourly, reflecting the range of skills and experience in the field.
About the Mankato Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.60 | $140.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.74 | $173.89 |
| Median (P50) | $28.21 | $225.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.12 | $289.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mankato
Based on $28.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.21/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mankato, MN can expect to earn approximately $58,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,857. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mankato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mankato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,128.58 | $4,891 | $58,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.15 | $2,934 | $35,212 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.43 | $1,956 | $23,475 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Mankato) | $28.21 |
| 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 Mankato, MN earn a median of $58,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $61,014.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.21/hr = $35,212/year (purchasing power: $35,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,686/year (purchasing power: $59,580).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Mankato grew 25.7% from $21.17/hr (2019) to $26.61/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.92/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 Mankato 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 Mankato
As part-time opportunities are common, a therapist working 24 hours per week in Mankato can expect to take home less when compared to a full-time salary, effectively trading lower earnings for a flexible schedule. Per-diem massage therapists typically earn between $25 and $40 per session at chain spas or $60 to $100 in mid-tier independent practices, while those who are self-employed can command $80 to $150 for a one-hour session, particularly in high-demand areas or premium settings. Additionally, mobile therapists may charge between $120 and $200 per appointment, enhancing earning potential. Different employer types also shape hourly pay; franchise spas may offer lower rates compared to chiropractic clinics or self-employed practices. When negotiating salaries, therapists should consider the benefits package offered by employers; those providing health insurance typically pay less per hour. Understanding personal goals and local market trends in Mankato is vital in navigating these compensation dynamics, ensuring that therapists can make informed decisions aligned with their professional aspirations.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Mankato 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 Mankato. 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 Mankato 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