Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $33.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Edison, NJ runs $33.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edison, New Jersey, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $33.87, which is significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This competitive hourly pay reflects the area's demand for skilled professionals capable of providing therapeutic services in various environments, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. For part-time workers who might operate three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, the earnings can be substantial, especially with the experience that can bring them near the top of the pay range, which can reach up to $52.50. With the lower end of the scale at $19.65 for entry-level positions, there's a clear pathway for growth in this profession, especially for those willing to invest time in building their clientele.
About the Edison Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.65 | $157.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.86 | $198.91 |
| Median (P50) | $33.87 | $270.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.36 | $346.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.50 | $419.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $33.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.87/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,441 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,639. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,354.64 | $5,870 | $70,441 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $812.78 | $3,522 | $42,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $541.86 | $2,348 | $28,176 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Edison) | $33.87 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $70,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $71,372.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.87/hr = $42,265/year (purchasing power: $36,688).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,441/year (purchasing power: $61,147).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Edison grew 36.5% from $23.40/hr (2019) to $31.94/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.91/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 Edison 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 Edison
When considering part-time work in Edison, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $42,172 annually based on the hourly median, offering a reasonable income while maintaining flexibility. On the other hand, per-diem positions can vary widely, with agency or chain therapists earning between $25 to $60 per session for standard services and independent therapists commanding between $80 and $150 for cash-pay sessions. The discrepancy between earnings in franchise environments, such as Massage Envy, and self-employed practices highlights the potential for higher income for those who can manage their marketing and client relations effectively. Therapists working within clinics or hospitals may sacrifice an hourly rate for benefits like health insurance, a common trade-off many must navigate. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skills or proven client satisfaction can be effective strategies in this bustling Edison market.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
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 Edison. 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 Edison 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