Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $24.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Ridgeland, MS runs $24.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists stands at $24.51, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This discrepancy in pay reflects various factors, including the region’s cost of living and the competitiveness of local markets for spa and therapeutic services. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this hourly wage can translate into substantial earnings for a variety of settings, such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile services where therapists may offer in-home treatments. Entry-level positions start around $14.93 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $38.00 per hour, illustrating the wide spectrum of opportunities within the industry.
About the Ridgeland 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) | $14.93 | $119.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.54 | $156.33 |
| Median (P50) | $24.51 | $196.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.38 | $251.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.00 | $304.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $24.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $50,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,417. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.57 | $4,249 | $50,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.34 | $2,549 | $30,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.23 | $1,700 | $20,396 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Ridgeland) | $24.51 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $50,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $53,119.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.51/hr = $30,594/year (purchasing power: $35,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,989/year (purchasing power: $59,498).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Ridgeland grew 36.5% from $16.94/hr (2019) to $23.12/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.99/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Looking deeper, a massage therapist working part-time for just 24 hours per week could potentially earn around $28,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time practitioners whose earnings could dramatically increase based on hours worked. For those who operate on a per diem basis, the compensation can vary widely: filling in at a chain spa might yield $25-$40 per session while independent agencies may offer rates between $60-$100 per treatment. Self-employed massage therapists often charge higher rates, clearing between $80-$150 per session in cash-pay arrangements. Different employment types—franchises versus independent practices—also impact earnings: franchise therapists usually earn lower hourly rates but benefit from steady client bookings, whereas independent workers can set their rates and take home a larger share. It’s crucial for therapists in Ridgeland to evaluate the trade-offs between lower hourly pay with benefits and the flexibility of higher rates without the safety net that comes with traditional employment. Negotiating effectively is essential in securing desirable hourly rates, especially within the competitive landscape of Ridgeland's massage therapy market.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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