Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $26.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Jersey City, NJ runs $26.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,572 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,737 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in Jersey City, NJ, is projected to be $26.23, which falls below the national hourly median of $29.80. This discrepancy means that part-time and per-diem massage therapists, who may work three days a week, will find themselves earning less than their counterparts in other regions. Typical settings for these professionals include local spas, chiropractic clinics, and even mobile in-home arrangements, where rates can vary significantly. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn approximately $15.22 per hour, while seasoned professionals in the field can command rates up to $40.66 per hour, reflecting their expertise and market demand. It's essential for therapists to understand these figures, as they are derived from broader annual salary data, which can help in setting competitive rates for their services.
About the Jersey City 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) | $15.22 | $121.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.89 | $151.16 |
| Median (P50) | $26.23 | $209.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.58 | $268.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.66 | $325.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $26.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.23/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,478. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,049.27 | $4,547 | $54,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.56 | $2,728 | $32,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.71 | $1,819 | $21,825 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Jersey City) | $26.23 |
| 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 Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $54,572 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 23.60% below the New Jersey state average of $71,429.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.23/hr = $32,737/year (purchasing power: $28,418).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,562/year (purchasing power: $47,363).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Jersey City grew 36.5% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $24.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.81/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 Jersey 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 Jersey City
Despite the relatively lower hourly rate compared to the national average, part-time massage therapists can still generate a respectable income. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours a week could take home around $32,902 annually. Per diem massage therapists in Jersey City frequently charge between $25 and $40 per session at chain spas or $60 to $100 at independent establishments, while self-employed therapists can garner even higher fees, typically ranging from $80 to $150 per hour for cash-pay clients. Additionally, therapy settings influence pay scales significantly; for example, franchise models like Massage Envy often pay less than self-employed practices but provide consistent booking and less marketing effort. Therapists considering employment with benefits must evaluate the trade-offs between lower pay and added health coverage. For those negotiating their hourly rates, emphasizing their qualifications from associations like ABMP and AMTA can bolster their case for higher compensation.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Jersey City in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Jersey City?
Are massage therapists in Jersey City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Jersey City?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Jersey City?
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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 Jersey 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
Salary data for Jersey City 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