Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $30.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Cortland, NY runs $30.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,620 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, NY, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $30.14, slightly above the national median of $29.80. This competitive pay reflects the area's cost of living and offers various working arrangements, especially for those engaging in part-time or per-diem roles. For instance, a therapist working three days a week could schedule approximately 24 hours, translating to a significant boost in their income—potentially making their services at spas, chiropractic clinics, sports training facilities, or even mobile in-home setups. The hourly pay range spans from $18.80 at entry-level positions to as much as $46.72 for the most experienced professionals in the field. These rates provide a clear financial perspective for individuals considering a career in massage therapy in Cortland, taking into account the local demand and workplace environments.
About the Cortland 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) | $18.80 | $150.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.15 | $185.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.14 | $241.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.57 | $308.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.72 | $373.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $30.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.14/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $62,700 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,173. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,205.77 | $5,225 | $62,700 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.46 | $3,135 | $37,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.31 | $2,090 | $25,080 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Cortland) | $30.14 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $62,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.15% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $68,066.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.14/hr = $37,620/year (purchasing power: $32,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,700/year (purchasing power: $54,099).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Cortland grew 36.5% from $20.83/hr (2019) to $28.43/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.96/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
When evaluating the earnings potential for part-time and per-diem massage therapists, the numbers truly reveal the profession's flexibility. For a therapist working 24 hours weekly, their annual income based on the median rate can amount to roughly $37,000, compared to a more reliable full-time income. The dynamics for per-diem massage therapists can also vary; those at franchised spas may charge $25 to $40 per session, while independent practitioners might command between $60 and $100, or even higher for self-employed therapists targeting specific clientele. Employer types across Cortland greatly influence hourly rates: spas and franchise chains often offer lower wages but may provide steady hours, whereas independent or mobile practitioners may earn more while also facing the challenges of self-marketing. Therapists must weigh these trade-offs carefully, particularly in terms of health insurance benefits versus hourly earnings. Negotiation is key; being aware of what local employers offer can empower therapists to advocate effectively for their deserved pay.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Cortland 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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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