Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Tupelo, MS: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Tupelo, MS runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,597 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Tupelo'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 Tupelo, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is estimated to be $25.29. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $29.80, indicating a notable difference that could impact job seekers in the area. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this might translate to a take-home pay of approximately $1,500 monthly, while per-diem workers can expect similar figures based on the number of clients serviced. The hourly rate for massage therapists in Tupelo spans from $14.66 for entry-level positions to up to $39.20 for experienced professionals, reflecting a varied landscape in payment structures that depends largely on the type of employment environment, whether it be in a hotel spa, medical clinic, or a self-established practice.
About the Tupelo 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) | $14.66 | $117.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.83 | $158.62 |
| 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 Tupelo
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tupelo, 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 Tupelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tupelo
| 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 (Tupelo) | $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 Tupelo, MS earn a median of $52,597 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $53,129.
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 Tupelo (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 Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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 Tupelo
Examining the realities of part-time work, a massage therapist in Tupelo who operates three days a week can expect to take home around $36,500 annually, significantly less than a comparable full-time role. Per diem roles often pay therapists about $25 to $40 per session in chains like Massage Envy, while independent mid-tier setups might offer $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists can charge between $80 and $150 for each hour-long appointment, with in-home services commanding even higher fees, ranging from $120 to $200. The hourly compensation can vary widely depending on the employer type, as franchised establishments typically provide more stability but lower pay. Consequently, some therapists may opt for the benefits provided by larger employers over the higher earnings available through self-employment. When negotiating pay in Tupelo, consider emphasizing skills, client loyalty, and the flexibility of your scheduling to make a compelling case for higher rates.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Tupelo in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Tupelo. 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 Tupelo 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