Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $34.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lakewood, NJ runs $34.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,503 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, the 2026 median hourly pay for massage therapists reaches $34.06, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $29.80. This premium reflects the area's demand for massage therapy services, especially within settings like spas, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics, and mobile practices. For part-time therapists working three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem gigs, the hourly rate enables a viable income stream that accommodates a flexible work-life balance. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $19.75 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $52.78 per hour, showcasing a diverse income range that mirrors the varying clientele and settings typical in Lakewood.
About the Lakewood 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) | $19.75 | $158.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.22 | $201.80 |
| Median (P50) | $34.06 | $272.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.59 | $348.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.78 | $422.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $34.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.06/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,868. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,362.27 | $5,903 | $70,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $817.36 | $3,542 | $42,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $544.91 | $2,361 | $28,335 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lakewood) | $34.06 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $70,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $71,408.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.06/hr = $42,503/year (purchasing power: $36,895).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,838/year (purchasing power: $61,492).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood grew 36.5% from $23.53/hr (2019) to $32.12/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.11/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Regarding part-time earning potential, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week could expect an approximate annual income based on their hourly pay, offering an attractive alternative to full-time positions for those seeking flexibility. For per diem massage therapist pay in Lakewood, rates can fluctuate widely depending on the employment type: therapists at chain spas may bill between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners may charge anywhere from $80 to $150 per hour for in-home services, with mobile therapists potentially earning premiums of $120 to $200 per session. In Lakewood, hourly rates can differ significantly by employer; franchise chains often provide less pay but more stable schedules, whereas self-employed therapists face higher overhead but enjoy the freedom of setting their own rates. As therapists evaluate their compensation, they must weigh benefits like health insurance against the desire for higher hourly pay without additional benefits, making informed negotiation skills essential when discussing their massage therapist hourly pay in Lakewood.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lakewood?
Are massage therapists in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lakewood?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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