Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in La Vista, NE: $25.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in La Vista, NE runs $25.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,804 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against La Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In La Vista, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $25.38, notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate indicates a range where entry-level therapists can start at approximately $16.20 while seasoned professionals might earn up to $39.35 per hour. For massage therapists working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this creates both potential and challenges. Typical settings include spas, chiropractic clinics, and self-employed practices, where varying priorities might necessitate flexibility in schedules and earnings. Understanding the hourly pay structure is crucial for professionals considering both full-time roles and per-diem opportunities in La Vista.
About the La Vista 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) | $16.20 | $129.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.85 | $158.79 |
| Median (P50) | $25.38 | $203.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.50 | $259.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.35 | $314.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vista
Based on $25.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.38/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vista, NE can expect to earn approximately $52,798 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,460. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,015.34 | $4,400 | $52,798 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.21 | $2,640 | $31,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.14 | $1,760 | $21,119 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (La Vista) | $25.38 |
| 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 La Vista, NE earn a median of $52,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.80% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $56,718.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.38/hr = $31,679/year (purchasing power: $34,622).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,798/year (purchasing power: $57,703).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in La Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in La Vista grew 36.5% from $17.54/hr (2019) to $23.94/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.91/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 La Vista 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 La Vista
For those seeking part-time roles, working 24 hours a week at $25.38 results in a take-home pay significantly less than a full-time position, rendering an annual income that may not fully support their lifestyle without supplemental income. Per-diem massage therapists in La Vista often face a reality where they can charge between $25-$40 per session at chain establishments or up to $60-$100 in mid-tier settings; self-employed professionals have the avenue to earn higher rates of $80-$150 for each hour-long session, particularly in mobile setups. Hourly rates can differ markedly across employer types, with franchise chains like Massage Envy offering consistent bookings at lower rates compared to independent practices that might allow for superior earnings with self-marketing responsibilities. This trade-off between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance is frequently weighed by therapists. Negotiation tips might include researching local market rates to lobby for compensation that reflects both skill level and the specific setting of practice in La Vista.
More salary data for La Vista, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in La Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in La Vista?
Are massage therapists in La Vista paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in La Vista?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in La Vista?
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 La Vista. 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 La Vista 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