Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Jackson, NJ: $34.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Jackson, NJ runs $34.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,954 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Jackson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Jackson, New Jersey, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $34.11, which is significantly higher than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This competitive pay level can provide attractive opportunities for those seeking part-time work, such as those operating three days a week, where the potential earnings can be substantial in various settings, from spas to chiropractic clinics. For per-diem workers providing session-based services, the financial landscape varies. Entry-level therapists might start at $19.79 per hour, while top earners in this profession can achieve rates of up to $52.88, placing them in a favorable position compared to the wider market.
About the Jackson 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) | $19.79 | $158.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.13 |
| Median (P50) | $34.11 | $272.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.66 | $349.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.88 | $423.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jackson
Based on $34.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.11/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jackson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,932. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jackson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jackson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,364.39 | $5,912 | $70,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.64 | $3,547 | $42,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.76 | $2,365 | $28,379 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Jackson) | $34.11 |
| 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 Jackson, NJ earn a median of $70,954 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.49% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.60% below the New Jersey state average of $71,383.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.11/hr = $42,569/year (purchasing power: $36,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,948/year (purchasing power: $61,587).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Jackson grew 36.5% from $23.57/hr (2019) to $32.17/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.17/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 Jackson 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 Jackson
Considering a part-time massage therapy role in Jackson may yield an annual income that reflects the flexibility of the profession. A therapist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $42,460, contrasting with the full-time potential income generated from more hours. Per-diem massage therapists typically charge between $25 and $100 per session, depending on the service setting, with self-employed practitioners earning cash pay ranging anywhere from $80 to $150 for each hour-long session. The variability of massage therapist hourly pay in Jackson is influenced by employer type; resorts and established franchises often provide steady work but may offer lower rates, while independent practice or mobile offerings allow for higher earnings. However, those opting for lower hourly wages in chain environments may benefit from health insurance and steady clientele, illustrating the trade-offs unique to this field. For effective negotiation, therapists should emphasize their skill sets and consider market rates, particularly focusing on the benefits of self-promotion and independent practice.
More salary data for Jackson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Jackson in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Jackson?
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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 Jackson. 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 Jackson 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