Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Butte, MT: $27.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Butte, MT runs $27.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,940 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Butte's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Butte, Montana, the projected hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $27.85, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This rate has implications for part-time workers, particularly those who may choose to work just a few days a week or operate as per-diem therapists. Common settings for massage therapists include spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices, providing flexibility to work either part-time or on a per-session basis. For entry-level therapists, the hourly pay can start as low as $16.16, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $43.18 per hour, depending on their skills and the type of establishment they work in.
About the Butte Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.16 | $129.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.20 | $169.56 |
| Median (P50) | $27.85 | $222.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.66 | $285.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.18 | $345.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Butte
Based on $27.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.85/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Butte, MT can expect to earn approximately $57,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,425. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Butte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Butte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.16 | $4,828 | $57,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.50 | $2,897 | $34,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.67 | $1,931 | $23,175 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Butte) | $27.85 |
| 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 Butte, MT earn a median of $57,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.80% below the Montana state average of $59,609.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.85/hr = $34,762/year (purchasing power: $36,135).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,936/year (purchasing power: $60,225).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Butte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Butte grew 36.5% from $19.25/hr (2019) to $26.27/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.53/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 Butte 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 Butte
For those contemplating part-time work, a massage therapist working three days a week at approximately 24 hours a week could expect annual earnings around $33,000. Per diem opportunities, where therapists work on an as-needed basis, can offer varying rates that significantly influence overall income. In Butte, fill-in therapists may bill $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments, while mid-tier independents can charge $60 to $100. In contrast, self-employed individuals have the potential to earn between $80 and $150 for every hour-long session they provide. Different venues yield different pay scales—chains like Massage Envy tend to offer lower hourly rates compared to self-employed practices but provide stable client bookings. As therapists assess their contracts, they should weigh the pros of benefits like health insurance against the higher pay possible in self-employment, where they bear the costs of marketing and client acquisition. Negotiating hourly rates can be advantageous, especially in Butte's unique market, where setting competitive prices is essential for securing steady work.
More salary data for Butte, MT:
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 Butte. 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 Butte 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