Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Grand Island, NE: $26.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Grand Island, NE runs $26.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Grand Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grand Island, Nebraska, massage therapists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $26.61 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This pay structure can have varied implications for those working part-time or in per-diem roles across typical settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, mobile practices, and resorts. For instance, a massage therapist working three days a week might generate earnings reflective of this median, while those in higher-paying environments can reach hourly rates of up to $41.25. The range for entry-level positions begins around $15.88, highlighting opportunities for newer entrants in the field who seek flexibility in different operational models from full-time to per diem roles.
About the Grand Island Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.88 | $127.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.44 | $155.48 |
| Median (P50) | $26.61 | $212.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.07 | $272.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.25 | $329.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Island
Based on $26.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.61/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Island, NE can expect to earn approximately $55,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,936. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,064.54 | $4,613 | $55,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.72 | $2,768 | $33,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.82 | $1,845 | $22,142 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Grand Island) | $26.61 |
| 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 Grand Island, NE earn a median of $55,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $56,713.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.61/hr = $33,214/year (purchasing power: $36,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,356/year (purchasing power: $60,499).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Grand Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Grand Island grew 36.5% from $18.39/hr (2019) to $25.10/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.22/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 Grand Island 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 Grand Island
While the hourly pay may appear modest compared to the national average, the earnings potential for part-time or per-diem massage therapists in Grand Island can still be relatively lucrative. Those working 24 hours a week at this rate could expect to take home a solid income annually, although this would still be less than a full-time position. In contrast, per-diem massage therapists often charge between $25 and $100 per session, varying by the type of clientele and services offered. Independent practitioners and mobile therapists can command even higher rates, generally starting at $80 and potentially reaching upwards of $200 per session. Depending on their employment setting—be it a franchise like Massage Envy or a self-employed practice—therapists may have to balance lower hourly rates that include benefits against higher wages without such perks. For those aiming to negotiate better deals, understanding the going rates in different practitioner environments in Grand Island is crucial, as it can inform decisions regarding career paths and work arrangements.
More salary data for Grand Island, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Grand Island in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Grand Island?
Are massage therapists in Grand Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Grand Island?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Island?
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 Grand Island. 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 Grand Island 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