Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Auburn, NY: $31.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Auburn, NY runs $31.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in Auburn, NY, is projected to be $31.11, exceeding the national median of $29.80. This competitive rate provides meaningful earnings for part-time practitioners who might work three days a week or opt for per-diem opportunities, typically found in settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile practices. Within Auburn, massage therapists can expect to earn between $18.79 at the entry-level up to $48.22 for the highest earners. These estimates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting a solid financial outlook for both established therapists and those just entering the field.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.79 | $150.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.53 | $188.22 |
| Median (P50) | $31.11 | $248.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.81 | $318.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.22 | $385.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $31.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.11/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, NY can expect to earn approximately $64,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,331. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.37 | $5,392 | $64,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.62 | $3,235 | $38,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.75 | $2,157 | $25,883 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Auburn) | $31.11 |
| 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 Auburn, NY earn a median of $64,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.41% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 5.00% below the New York state average of $68,111.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.11/hr = $38,824/year (purchasing power: $33,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,707/year (purchasing power: $55,830).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Auburn grew 36.5% from $21.49/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.99/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
For those working part-time, typically 24 hours a week, the actual take-home can vary significantly based on the type of employment. A massage therapist in Auburn can bring in anywhere from $48,000 to $64,000 annually, contingent on their setting and client load. Per-diem massage therapists work within variable pay structures, billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per session at chain spas to self-employing cash-pay therapists who typically charge $80 to $150 for a standard hour-long session. Variations in hourly rates among employer types are quite pronounced; therapists in franchise chains like Massage Envy may see lower rates but enjoy stable clientele, while self-employed practitioners might earn more per session but have to manage their own bookings and marketing. Additionally, those considering accepting lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance may find it a worthwhile trade-off for long-term security, although negotiating higher rates can lead to increased earnings if one opts out of an employee package.
More salary data for Auburn, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Auburn?
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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