Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $33.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lincoln, NE runs $33.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,907 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $33.58 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This competitive rate benefits massage therapists working part-time, such as those who take on shifts just three days a week. These therapists can find opportunities in various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, sports facilities, hotels, and mobile services, allowing considerable flexibility in scheduling. The hourly pay ranges from $24.36 for entry-level positions to about $47.61 for the most experienced professionals in the area, offering a solid income potential whether one is a per diem massage therapist or a self-employed practitioner managing their own clientele.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.36 | $194.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.10 | $200.78 |
| Median (P50) | $33.58 | $268.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.61 | $380.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.61 | $380.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $33.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.58/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $69,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,296. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,343.19 | $5,820 | $69,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $805.91 | $3,492 | $41,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.28 | $2,328 | $27,938 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lincoln) | $33.58 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $69,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 23.10% above the Nebraska state average of $56,727.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.58/hr = $41,907/year (purchasing power: $45,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,846/year (purchasing power: $76,267).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lincoln grew 36.5% from $23.20/hr (2019) to $31.67/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.60/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
Earnings for part-time massage therapists in Lincoln, working roughly 24 hours a week, could amount to significantly different annual take-home pay compared to full-time workers. While a full-time position may earn around $69,831 annually, part-timers will see lower overall income unless they consistently increase their client base. Per-diem massage therapists in chain environments often earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent therapists can charge $80 to $150 per hour. Those who choose to work in more premium environments, such as hotels or through mobile services, could set rates ranging from $120 to $200 per session. Given the variance in the hourly rates across different employer types in Lincoln, it's important for therapists to weigh job stability against potential earnings, especially considering benefits such as health insurance may come at the expense of higher wages. For negotiation, being well-prepared and understanding the going rates in the local market can assist in securing a better compensation package.
More salary data for Lincoln, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lincoln in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lincoln?
Are massage therapists in Lincoln paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lincoln?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lincoln?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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