Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Gladstone, MO: $25.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Gladstone, MO runs $25.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Gladstone's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gladstone, Missouri, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $25.51. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $29.80, which could influence a therapist's decision regarding part-time or per diem work. For those operating in typical settings like spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or mobile in-home setups, this hourly rate allows for varying income depending on the number of clients seen each week. Entry-level therapists might earn around $15.67 per hour, with experienced practitioners potentially making up to $39.55. Such a range shows that while Gladstone has a competitive market, individuals considering careers in massage therapy should weigh the available hourly rates, especially when seeking reliable part-time hours versus full-time opportunities.
About the Gladstone Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.67 | $125.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.47 | $155.74 |
| Median (P50) | $25.51 | $204.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.66 | $261.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.55 | $316.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gladstone
Based on $25.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.51/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gladstone, MO can expect to earn approximately $53,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,613. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gladstone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gladstone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,020.43 | $4,422 | $53,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.26 | $2,653 | $31,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.17 | $1,769 | $21,225 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Gladstone) | $25.51 |
| 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 Gladstone, MO earn a median of $53,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.37% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.40% below the Missouri state average of $55,515.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.51/hr = $31,838/year (purchasing power: $35,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,063/year (purchasing power: $59,222).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Gladstone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Gladstone grew 36.5% from $17.63/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.05/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 Gladstone 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 Gladstone
Earning potential can differ significantly, especially for part-time massage therapists in Gladstone. For instance, if a therapist works three days a week for 24 hours, they might take home approximately $31,000 annually, which reflects much lower annual earnings compared to a full-time position. Per diem and agency massage therapists often bill between $25 to $100 per session, depending on whether they are at chain locations or independent practices. Mobile therapists may charge a premium of $120 to $200 per session, offering higher hourly pay but also presenting risks like inconsistent client flow. Understanding the trade-offs between benefits and compensation is vital—some therapists might accept lower hourly rates from chain employers for health coverage, while self-employed therapists can achieve higher rates but must manage their marketing and overhead. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Gladstone should include knowing the local market inside-out and leveraging previous experience when discussing pay with potential employers, whether they are large chains like Massage Envy or independent practices.
More salary data for Gladstone, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Gladstone in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Gladstone?
Are massage therapists in Gladstone paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Gladstone?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Gladstone?
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 Gladstone. 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 Gladstone 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