Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $26.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Hastings, NE runs $26.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,324 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, Nebraska, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $26.60 for 2026, which falls below the national median of $29.80 per hour. This hourly rate has implications for massage therapists working part-time or in per-diem roles across various environments, such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, hotel spas, and home-based practices. For those in Hastings, entry-level practitioners might start at around $15.43 per hour, while experienced therapists can earn as much as $41.22 per hour, allowing for a flexible schedule tailored to individual lifestyles and preferences. The hourly figures are informed by broader annual salary data and represent a snapshot of the earnings potential in this field within the local economy.
About the Hastings 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) | $15.43 | $123.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.34 | $154.72 |
| Median (P50) | $26.60 | $212.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.05 | $272.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.22 | $329.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $26.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.60/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $55,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,924. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,064.12 | $4,611 | $55,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.47 | $2,767 | $33,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.65 | $1,844 | $22,134 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Hastings) | $26.60 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $55,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $56,685.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.60/hr = $33,200/year (purchasing power: $36,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,334/year (purchasing power: $60,474).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Hastings grew 36.5% from $18.38/hr (2019) to $25.09/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.21/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
Evaluating earning potential can prompt interesting insights for massage therapists in Hastings, particularly those considering part-time work at around 24 hours per week. This weekly schedule could yield an annual take-home pay of approximately $20,000, which is considerably less than a full-time therapist earning a stable income. For per-diem or agency therapists, the pay can vary widely; those working in chain establishments may bill $25-$40 per session, while independent therapists could charge significantly more, with self-employed practitioners even making $80-$150 for a 60-minute session. There's also variation depending on the type of employer, with franchise chains typically offering lower hourly rates compared to self-employed opportunities. Furthermore, therapists must balance the appeal of higher hourly wages against benefits such as health insurance usually offered by larger employers. Negotiation can be key in securing a favorable rate, especially in Hastings where the market dynamic may allow therapists to advocate for better compensation based on their skills and client satisfaction.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Hastings in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Hastings?
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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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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