Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $26.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in University City, MO runs $26.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,843 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in University City, Missouri, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $26.32, which falls short of the national median of $29.80. This pay level is particularly relevant for those seeking part-time employment, such as working three days a week, where the compensation might support a modest lifestyle while offering flexible hours. The hourly range spans from $15.31 for entry-level therapists to as much as $40.80 for experienced professionals. Therapists can find work in various environments, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices, where per-diem opportunities abound, catering to a diverse clientele in need of therapeutic services. These figures suggest a varied earning potential based on experience and the nature of the employment arrangement.
About the University 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) | $15.31 | $122.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.82 |
| Median (P50) | $26.32 | $210.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.69 | $269.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.80 | $326.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $26.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.32/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $54,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,580. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,052.67 | $4,562 | $54,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $631.60 | $2,737 | $32,843 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.07 | $1,825 | $21,895 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (University City) | $26.32 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $54,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.67% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $55,522.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.32/hr = $32,843/year (purchasing power: $36,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,739/year (purchasing power: $61,092).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in University City grew 36.5% from $18.18/hr (2019) to $24.82/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.90/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 University 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 University City
Exploring income potential further reveals that a massage therapist working part-time at 24 hours per week could see an annual income of approximately $32,678, while a full-time therapist might earn significantly more. For those engaged in per-diem roles, session fees can vary widely, with chain spas typically offering $25-$40 per session, while independent practitioners may charge anywhere from $60 to $150. Self-employed therapists, particularly those in mobile practices, can command rates between $120 and $200 per session, reflecting the benefits of autonomy and higher earnings potential. However, therapists working in franchise settings like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone commonly accept lower pay in exchange for steady clientele and employee benefits. To maximize their earning potential, therapists in University City should consider negotiating based on their experience and the type of practice they engage in while staying mindful of the competitive landscape in their area.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 University 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 University 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