Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $27.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kalispell, MT runs $27.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,153 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, the average massage therapist earns a median hourly rate of $27.37, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate indicates a modest compensation for part-time workers who may choose to work three days a week. With a typical schedule amounting to around 24 hours, these therapists can expect to bring home a paycheck that reflects their commitment while also enjoying the flexibility of per-diem arrangements. The hourly compensation in Kalispell ranges significantly, from $16.32 for entry-level positions up to a competitive $42.42 for top earners. This variability is influenced by factors such as experience, location within the city, and the type of employer, including spas, clinics, and private practices.
About the Kalispell 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) | $16.32 | $130.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.55 | $164.39 |
| Median (P50) | $27.37 | $218.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.01 | $280.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.42 | $339.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $27.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.37/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $56,922 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,840. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.65 | $4,743 | $56,922 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.79 | $2,846 | $34,153 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.86 | $1,897 | $22,769 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kalispell) | $27.37 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $56,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.14% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $59,610.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.37/hr = $34,153/year (purchasing power: $35,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,922/year (purchasing power: $59,170).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kalispell grew 36.5% from $18.91/hr (2019) to $25.81/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.02/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
Part-time massage therapists who work 24 hours each week can translate their hourly income into substantial annual earnings; however, figures can vary significantly based on the type of employment. For instance, per-diem massage therapists often charge $25 to $40 per session at franchises, and those who are self-employed can command $80 to $150 for direct-pay sessions. While franchise chains like Massage Envy tend to provide steadier bookings, they typically offer lower pay compared to self-employed therapists who handle their own marketing and overhead. Therapists in Kalispell need to weigh the benefits of stable employment against the higher earning potential from freelance work. Negotiating hourly pay is essential, especially when considering the trade-offs associated with positions that include benefits and higher hourly rates without full-time commitments. Understanding these dynamics is critical for anyone navigating the massage therapist hourly pay in MT, particularly those aiming for financial sustainability in their practice.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Kalispell in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Kalispell?
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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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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