Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $26.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kearney, NE runs $26.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,608 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,764 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $26.25, considerably lower than the national median of $29.80. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate means they could earn around $21,000 annually, which could vary depending on the number of clients they see each day. The typical settings for massage therapists in Kearney include spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile setups. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $16.34, while seasoned professionals or those working in niche practices may see their hourly pay rise to $40.69. The variance in pay can largely be attributed to the level of experience, clientele, and whether a therapist operates within a franchise or an independent practice environment.
About the Kearney 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) | $16.34 | $130.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.27 | $162.18 |
| Median (P50) | $26.25 | $210.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.60 | $268.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.69 | $325.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $26.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.25/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $54,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,504. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,050.12 | $4,551 | $54,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $630.07 | $2,730 | $32,764 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.05 | $1,820 | $21,843 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kearney) | $26.25 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $54,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $56,706.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.25/hr = $32,764/year (purchasing power: $35,807).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,606/year (purchasing power: $59,679).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kearney grew 36.5% from $18.14/hr (2019) to $24.76/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.84/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Looking beyond just the hourly pay reveals interesting dynamics in the Kearney massage therapy market. A massage therapist who works on a flexible per-diem basis can command fees ranging from $25 to $100 per session, depending on the type of establishment and client base they serve. Meanwhile, those who choose to operate independently may charge anywhere from $80 to $150 per 60-minute session, significantly boosting their earnings compared to franchise employment, where hourly pay tends to be lower due to the booking guarantees offered. Many therapists often find themselves weighing the benefits of higher hourly rates as self-employed individuals against the stability and health benefits provided by working for established chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone. For those navigating these opportunities in Kearney, effective negotiation tactics can help secure better hourly rates while considering the trade-offs associated with benefits versus pay.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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