Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Pearl, MS: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Pearl, MS runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Pearl's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearl, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $25.29, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate presents a solid opportunity for both full-time and part-time therapists, particularly in various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, or engaging in per-diem positions, the hourly earnings allow for versatile scheduling, making it feasible to balance other commitments. The range for hourly pay among massage therapists in Pearl stretches from $14.83 for entry-level positions to $39.20 for top earners, indicating that while many start at a lower rate, there is potential for significant growth with experience and specialization.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.83 | $118.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.86 | $150.90 |
| Median (P50) | $25.29 | $202.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $258.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.20 | $313.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pearl
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pearl, MS can expect to earn approximately $52,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,346. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pearl.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pearl
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.53 | $4,383 | $52,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.92 | $2,630 | $31,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.61 | $1,753 | $21,040 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Pearl) | $25.29 |
| 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 Pearl, MS earn a median of $52,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $53,087.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.29/hr = $31,560/year (purchasing power: $36,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,599/year (purchasing power: $61,376).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Pearl grew 36.5% from $17.47/hr (2019) to $23.85/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.81/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 Pearl 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 Pearl
Part-time massage therapists working 24 hours a week can expect a yearly income that allows for a comfortable lifestyle, although their earnings will be less than that of full-time practitioners. Per diem massage therapist pay in Pearl varies widely, with rates ranging from $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments, and as high as $60 to $100 for independent setups, particularly if they are self-employed and taking direct cash pay up to $150 per session. The type of employer influences these rates; for instance, while franchise chains like Massage Envy may offer more reliable scheduling, they typically pay less than self-employed therapists who manage their own client lists. Consulting with professional organizations like ABMP or AMTA can provide additional insights into negotiation strategies, especially when considering compensation and benefits associated with different employment models. Understanding these factors is crucial for those entering the field in Pearl, allowing therapists to maximize their earnings based on their specific circumstances and professional goals.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
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 Pearl. 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 Pearl 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