Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Atlantic City, NJ: $28.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Atlantic City, NJ runs $28.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Atlantic City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.9, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,450 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlantic City, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $28.41, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This median rate opens up significant earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile practices. For instance, a massage therapist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could feasibly earn a part-time income while enjoying the flexibility of their schedule. However, the hourly pay can vary dramatically, with entry-level positions starting around $16.52, while more experienced or specialized therapists can earn up to $69.36 per hour. These numbers stem from the official BLS data, emphasizing the diverse earning landscape in this profession throughout the Atlantic City area.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.52 | $132.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.23 | $137.84 |
| Median (P50) | $28.41 | $227.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.87 | $342.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.36 | $554.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlantic City
Based on $28.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.41/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlantic City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $59,083 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,087. With a cost-of-living index of 98.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Atlantic City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlantic City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.22 | $4,924 | $59,083 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.73 | $2,954 | $35,450 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.49 | $1,969 | $23,633 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Atlantic City) | $28.41 |
| 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 Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $59,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.65% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 17.20% below the New Jersey state average of $71,365.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.41/hr = $35,450/year (purchasing power: $35,860).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,083/year (purchasing power: $59,766).
CoL index: 98.857 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$10.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+200.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $10.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Atlantic City grew 167.6% from $10.01/hr (2019) to $26.79/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.12/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 Atlantic City 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 Atlantic City
For a part-time massage therapist working in Atlantic City, the potential earnings over the course of a year can create a distinctly different financial picture compared to full-time employment. Assuming they work 24 hours a week, their take-home pay could average approximately $37,427 annually, contrasting with a full-time counterpart who could expect to see a significantly higher income. Per-diem massage therapists often earn between $25-$40 per session in typical chain settings and can charge up to $150 for self-employed cash-pay sessions. Employer types greatly affect hourly compensation across Atlantic City; for instance, franchise chains like Massage Envy may offer lower rates than self-employed or independent contractors who retain full control of their earnings and schedules. While many therapists may opt for positions offering lower pay for security and benefits, others might prioritize lucrative contracts with no benefits requiring adept negotiation skills specifically tailored to the competitive atmosphere in Atlantic City.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Atlantic City in 2026?
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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 Atlantic City. 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, 6-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