Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $33.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Montclair, NJ runs $33.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,410 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapy provides a viable career path in Montclair, NJ, with a competitive median hourly pay of $33.98, notably higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This premium reflects the area’s unique economic conditions and cost of living, which is 15.2% above the national average. For part-time and per-diem massage therapists, working around three days a week can be financially sustainable, as they typically find employment in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile practices. Hourly wages in Montclair can span from $19.91 for entry-level positions to $52.68 for top earners, allowing for income variability based on experience and location. It's essential to remember that these hourly rates derive from annual salary data and cater to the specific dynamics of the local job market.
About the Montclair 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) | $19.91 | $159.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.65 | $213.16 |
| Median (P50) | $33.98 | $271.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.50 | $348.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.68 | $421.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $33.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.98/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,684 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,779. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montclair.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montclair
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,359.30 | $5,890 | $70,684 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.58 | $3,534 | $42,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.72 | $2,356 | $28,274 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Montclair) | $33.98 |
| 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 Montclair, NJ earn a median of $70,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $71,404.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.98/hr = $42,410/year (purchasing power: $36,814).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,684/year (purchasing power: $61,357).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Montclair grew 36.5% from $23.48/hr (2019) to $32.05/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.03/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 Montclair 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 Montclair
Examining part-time roles, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week might earn around $42,183 annually, compared to a full-time position which could yield up to $70,690. For those working on a per-diem basis, pay rates can vary significantly; chain spas may offer as little as $25-$40 per session, while independent practitioners might bill between $60-$100. Self-employed therapists, benefiting from cash-pay structures, can command between $80-$150 per 60-minute session, creating a lucrative income stream. However, the trade-offs are tangible; those employed at franchise chains often sacrifice higher hourly pay for steady bookings and potential health benefits. When seeking to negotiate hourly rates, massage therapists in Montclair can emphasize their specialized skills and certifications further justified by memberships in professional organizations like ABMP or AMTA. Comparing employer types is key, as pay scales from franchises often differ from those at chiropractic clinics or self-employed practices, making clear performance and regional demand critical factors in setting rates.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Montclair 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 Montclair. 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 Montclair 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