Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $25.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Joplin, MO runs $25.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the projected median hourly pay for a massage therapist is $25.88, which is lower than the national median of $29.80. For massage therapists working part-time—say, three days a week—this means they can expect to take home a decent income while maintaining flexibility. Therapy professionals across varied settings, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports teams, and home practices, may find themselves earning from about $15.07 at the entry level to as much as $40.12 for the most experienced in the field. These hourly rates are based on annual salary data, providing a clear picture of what massage therapy work in Joplin could compensate per hour rather than per year.
About the Joplin 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) | $15.07 | $120.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.27 | $154.13 |
| Median (P50) | $25.88 | $207.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.13 | $265.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.12 | $320.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $25.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.88/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $53,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,058. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,035.28 | $4,486 | $53,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.17 | $2,692 | $32,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.11 | $1,794 | $21,534 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Joplin) | $25.88 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $53,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.13% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the Missouri state average of $55,502.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.88/hr = $32,301/year (purchasing power: $36,050).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,834/year (purchasing power: $60,083).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Joplin grew 36.5% from $17.88/hr (2019) to $24.41/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.44/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
Considering part-time opportunities, a therapist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $30,100 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time salary. Many per diem therapists in Joplin might bill between $25 to $40 per session for chain spas, while independent therapists could charge between $60 and $100. Self-employed practitioners may see even higher rates, ranging from $80 to $150 for an hour-long session and $120 to $200 for mobile services. It's essential to recognize that compensation can vary significantly across employer types, with franchise chains generally offering lower pay but consistent bookings, while self-employed therapists face the overhead of running their businesses. Those who prioritize job security might choose lower hourly rates for the benefits, while independent therapists may negotiate higher rates in lieu of health insurance. For Joplin's massage therapists, understanding the local market and adjusting strategies accordingly can optimize earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 Joplin. 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 Joplin 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