Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $28.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Missoula, MT runs $28.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,987 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Missoula, Montana, the massage therapist hourly rate is projected to be $28.03 in 2026, showing a slight decrease of 5.92% compared to the national median of $29.80. For many professionals in this field, this hourly pay presents viable options for part-time work or per-diem arrangements in various settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices. Those working three days a week can expect a solid income, flexibly managing their schedules while tapping into a diverse range of potential clients. The hourly wage range for massage therapists here spans from $16.81 at the lower end to $43.45 for top earners, reflecting varying levels of experience, specialization, and work environments.
About the Missoula 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) | $16.81 | $134.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.15 | $169.22 |
| Median (P50) | $28.03 | $224.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.88 | $287.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.45 | $347.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $28.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.03/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $58,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,641. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,121.37 | $4,859 | $58,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.82 | $2,916 | $34,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.55 | $1,944 | $23,325 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Missoula) | $28.03 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $58,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $59,615.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.03/hr = $34,987/year (purchasing power: $36,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,311/year (purchasing power: $60,615).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Missoula grew -1.2% from $26.75/hr (2019) to $26.44/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.72/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
When diving into part-time earnings, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can bring home approximately $43,900 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time colleagues who enjoy steadier bookings and a more consistent income stream. In Missoula, per diem massage therapist pay generally varies by the type of employer; for instance, therapists working at franchise chains like Massage Envy may bill $25-$40 per session, whereas independent practitioners can command $80-$150 per 60-minute session. This disparity illustrates the trade-off between guaranteed hours and potential higher earnings. Additionally, many may choose to accept lower hourly wages with benefits in corporate settings rather than pursuing the self-employed route, which offers the chance for substantial income but may involve higher risks and responsibilities. For those seeking to negotiate, focusing on the value they provide, such as repeat clients or unique skills, can allow therapists to advocate successfully for better pay in Missoula's varied marketplace.
More salary data for Missoula, 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 Missoula. 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 Missoula 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