Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in North Bergen, NJ: $33.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in North Bergen, NJ runs $33.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against North Bergen's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Bergen, NJ, the massage therapist hourly pay reflects a median rate of $33.28. This figure is considerably higher than the national median hourly rate of $29.80, indicating a competitive environment for professionals in the area. For those choosing part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the opportunity to earn a reasonable income exists across various employment settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. The hourly wage range spans from $19.52 for entry-level positions up to $51.59 for more experienced therapists, which allows room for growth as skills and reputation develop. Typically, the data estimates are informed by annual salary benchmarks, underscoring the potential of this field in North Bergen.
About the North Bergen 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) | $19.52 | $156.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.06 | $192.47 |
| Median (P50) | $33.28 | $266.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.60 | $340.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.59 | $412.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Bergen
Based on $33.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.28/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Bergen, NJ can expect to earn approximately $69,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,939. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Bergen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Bergen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,331.31 | $5,769 | $69,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.79 | $3,461 | $41,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.53 | $2,308 | $27,691 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (North Bergen) | $33.28 |
| 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 North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $69,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.71% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $71,377.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.28/hr = $41,537/year (purchasing power: $36,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,228/year (purchasing power: $60,094).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in North Bergen grew 36.5% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $31.39/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.29/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 North Bergen 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 North Bergen
For massage therapists considering part-time positions, the earnings can vary greatly based on the employment model chosen. A therapist working part-time, totaling around 24 hours a week, can earn approximately $41,500 annually, whereas a full-time practitioner could expect a significantly higher income due to consistent client bookings. Per diem massage therapist pay in North Bergen largely fluctuates; therapists might bill between $25 and $40 per session when working at franchise chains, and up to $100 for sessions at independent establishments. Self-employed therapists could command even higher rates, charging $80 to $150 per hour, particularly in premium settings such as in-home massages or luxury mobile services. Variability in hourly rates often correlates with employer type—spas may offer benefits that justify lower hourly earnings compared to self-employed setups where overhead costs are high. For those negotiating contracts, understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits could be a vital strategy in maximizing total compensation while navigating available opportunities in the North Bergen market.
More salary data for North Bergen, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in North Bergen 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 North Bergen. 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 North Bergen 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