Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in St. Paul, MN: $38.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in St. Paul, MN runs $38.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against St. Paul's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in St. Paul, Minnesota, is projected to reach approximately $38.02, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This competitive rate can make the field appealing for part-time professionals, especially those who typically work three days a week. In settings like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports training environments, and mobile setups, massage therapists can earn an hourly rate ranging from $22.05 for entry-level positions to $58.93 for those with more experience and specialized skills. Such flexibility allows for varied earning potential and makes it feasible for professionals in different stages of their careers to adjust their schedules to fit per-diem work opportunities, further impacting their overall hourly income.
About the St. Paul 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) | $22.05 | $176.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.09 | $224.70 |
| Median (P50) | $38.02 | $304.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.67 | $389.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.93 | $471.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Paul
Based on $38.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.02/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Paul, MN can expect to earn approximately $79,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,627. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Paul.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Paul
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,520.89 | $6,591 | $79,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.54 | $3,954 | $47,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.36 | $2,636 | $31,635 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (St. Paul) | $38.02 |
| 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 St. Paul, MN earn a median of $79,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.60% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 29.50% above the Minnesota state average of $61,067.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.02/hr = $47,452/year (purchasing power: $48,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,087/year (purchasing power: $80,291).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in St. Paul grew 36.5% from $26.27/hr (2019) to $35.86/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.32/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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Looking at per-diem or agency work, the reality for massage therapists in St. Paul can differ widely based on where they are employed. Chain spas might offer billing rates for sessions ranging from $25 to $40, while mid-tier independent facilities may set prices between $60 and $100. Self-employed therapists who operate cash-pay models could charge anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard hour-long session, and mobile therapists may command even higher rates of $120 to $200. It’s essential to understand that different employer types result in varied pay structures; while corporate chains like Massage Envy tend to provide steadier bookings, they often pay lower rates compared to independent practices. This trade-off for benefits versus hourly earnings can influence a therapist’s choice of employment. For those in St. Paul, negotiating higher pay can depend on demonstrating expertise and building a loyal client base, leaving ample room for increased earning potential within this vibrant wellness community.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
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 St. Paul. 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 St. Paul 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