Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Jefferson City, MO: $25.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Jefferson City, MO runs $25.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,900 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Jefferson City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,745 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jefferson City, MO, the prevailing wage for massage therapists is approximately $25.44 per hour, which is notably lower than the national median hourly pay of $29.80. This wage affects various working arrangements, particularly for those engaged in part-time work or per-diem roles, which are common in spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and sports team settings. For example, therapists working three days a week can anticipate their earnings to fluctuate between entry-level positions at $15.37 and seasoned practitioners who can earn upwards of $39.42 per hour. While these figures are derived from annual salary data, they provide a helpful framework for understanding the potential earnings landscape for massage therapists in Jefferson City.
About the Jefferson City 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) | $15.37 | $122.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.31 | $154.46 |
| Median (P50) | $25.44 | $203.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.55 | $260.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.42 | $315.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jefferson City
Based on $25.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.44/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jefferson City, MO can expect to earn approximately $52,908 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,524. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jefferson City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jefferson City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,017.46 | $4,409 | $52,908 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.48 | $2,645 | $31,745 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.99 | $1,764 | $21,163 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Jefferson City) | $25.44 |
| 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 Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $52,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.64% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $55,509.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.44/hr = $31,745/year (purchasing power: $35,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,908/year (purchasing power: $59,049).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Jefferson City grew 36.5% from $17.57/hr (2019) to $23.99/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.97/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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City
Examining the opportunities for part-time therapists in Jefferson City reveals significant earning potential. A typical massage therapist working three days a week (around 24 hours) might bring in a substantial annual income, though it remains well below that of full-time positions. For per-diem therapists, the compensation can vary widely based on the practice type, with chain spas offering $25 to $40 per session, while independent operators may charge anywhere from $60 to $150 for a standard hour-long treatment. The self-employed therapists working from home or offering mobile services have even higher earning capabilities, often ranging from $120 to $200 per in-home session. However, many providers may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits from employers, such as health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can empower Jefferson City massage therapists to negotiate their pay effectively, particularly when considering employment at franchises like Massage Envy or pursuing independent practice.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City. 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 Jefferson City 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