Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $38.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Minneapolis, MN runs $38.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,928 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, a massage therapist earns a median hourly rate of $38.40, which significantly surpasses the national median of $29.80. This competitive pay makes the profession an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. A part-time massage therapist working three days a week can still achieve a substantial income, allowing for flexibility while performing in various settings like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or mobile in-home practices. Hourly compensation varies widely; entry-level positions earn around $23.93 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $57.03 per hour, demonstrating a lucrative opportunity for therapists at the top of their game, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.93 | $191.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.01 | $240.05 |
| Median (P50) | $38.40 | $307.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.77 | $334.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.03 | $456.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $38.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.40/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $79,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,085. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,536.16 | $6,657 | $79,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $921.70 | $3,994 | $47,928 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.47 | $2,663 | $31,952 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Minneapolis) | $38.40 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $79,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.90% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 30.90% above the Minnesota state average of $61,026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.40/hr = $47,928/year (purchasing power: $45,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,880/year (purchasing power: $76,206).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Minneapolis grew 49.0% from $24.31/hr (2019) to $36.22/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.72/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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
The earning potential for part-time practitioners in Minneapolis encourages many massage therapists to explore flexible work arrangements. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours weekly—three days a week—could potentially earn around $47,942 annually, compared to a full-time income. Additionally, per-diem or agency massage therapists may charge anywhere from $25 to $100 per session depending on the establishment, while self-employed professionals can earn an impressive $80 to $150 per 60-minute appointment and even more for mobile services, ranging from $120 to $200 per session. These earnings vary across employer types; chain spas often pay less than independent practices, which provide more flexibility and control over schedules and clientele. Therapists must balance the benefits of consistent employment with competitive pay, often negotiating their rates based on their specific employment settings in Minneapolis, particularly if they belong to organizations like ABMP or AMTA.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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