Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $40.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Ithaca, NY runs $40.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,117 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in Ithaca stands at an impressive $40.96, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $29.80. For massage therapists working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly wage can translate into a commendable earnings potential, allowing room for flexibility while still providing a decent income in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and private home practices. The hourly pay range for this profession in Ithaca varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning around $30.75 at the lower end of the scale and more experienced therapists reaching rates as high as $45.90. This robust pay structure reflects the demand for skilled massage therapists in the area, as indicated by the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, which highlights Ithaca's strong position in this field.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.75 | $245.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.81 | $254.47 |
| Median (P50) | $40.96 | $327.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.96 | $327.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.90 | $367.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $40.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.96/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $85,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,151. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,638.38 | $7,100 | $85,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $983.03 | $4,260 | $51,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $655.35 | $2,840 | $34,078 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Ithaca) | $40.96 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $85,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.45% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 25.10% above the New York state average of $68,093.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.96/hr = $51,117/year (purchasing power: $49,476).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,196/year (purchasing power: $82,460).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Ithaca grew 36.5% from $28.30/hr (2019) to $38.63/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.43/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Part-time massage therapists in Ithaca, working 24 hours a week, can still earn a respectable income compared to full-time counterparts. Although the annual earnings for part-timers will differ substantially, many in this field enjoy the flexibility of choosing their client load. Per diem massage therapist pay in Ithaca reveals a wide spectrum: while those at chain establishments may bill between $25-$40 per session, independent practitioners often command $60-$100 for similar services. Self-employed therapists have the potential to earn between $80-$150 for a single hour-long session, particularly in mobile settings, where rates can rise to $120-$200. These variations indicate that employer type greatly influences pay rates; therapists in franchise chains often earn lower hourly wages for the security of scheduling, while those in private practice may earn more but face the challenges of marketing and client acquisition. When negotiating pay, it's essential to understand the specifics of each employer, as well as the trade-offs of hourly rates and benefits, particularly in a city like Ithaca where cost of living indices suggest a need for competitive compensation in the massage therapy field.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ithaca. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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