Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Dover, NH: $30.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Dover, NH runs $30.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,586 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, New Hampshire, the median hourly pay for massage therapists is projected to reach $30.92 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $29.80. This higher pay offers a competitive advantage for those seeking part-time work or per-diem positions in various settings, such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, hotels, and mobile practices. For instance, with a typical work schedule of three days a week, a therapist could earn a respectable income while enjoying a flexible lifestyle. In Dover, hourly rates vary significantly, from an entry-level wage of $19.57 to the potential high-end earning of $47.91 for experienced practitioners, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in the field.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.57 | $156.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.03 | $192.21 |
| Median (P50) | $30.92 | $247.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.57 | $316.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.91 | $383.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $30.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.92/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, NH can expect to earn approximately $64,310 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,102. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,236.73 | $5,359 | $64,310 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.04 | $3,216 | $38,586 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.69 | $2,144 | $25,724 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Dover) | $30.92 |
| 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 Dover, NH earn a median of $64,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $66,494.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.92/hr = $38,586/year (purchasing power: $35,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,310/year (purchasing power: $59,935).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Dover grew 36.5% from $21.36/hr (2019) to $29.16/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.78/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 Dover 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 Dover
When examining the earning potential for massage therapists in Dover, it's crucial to consider part-time roles versus full-time commitments. A therapist working three days a week for 24 hours totals around $38,054 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem or agency therapists, typical session rates range from $25-$40 in chain spas to $80-$150 for cash-pay sessions as self-employed professionals. This means that mobile therapists could charge upwards of $120-$200 per session, reflecting a profitable niche. Hourly rates can differ based on the employer type, with franchise chains offering more stability but generally lower pay compared to independent practice. Many therapists may choose lower hourly rates for health benefits, complicating their earnings strategy. Therefore, negotiating pay in Dover can hinge on understanding these nuances, as well as showcasing credentials through associations like ABMP or AMTA to command better rates.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Dover in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Dover?
Are massage therapists in Dover paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Dover?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Dover?
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 Dover. 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 Dover 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