Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $26.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Athens, OH runs $26.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,523 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,711 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Athens, Ohio, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 is $26.21. This figure lags behind the national median of $29.80 per hour, reflecting the regional nuances of the profession. For part-time workers, such as those practicing three days a week, this hourly rate can lead to substantial income potential, especially when considering settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices. The hourly wage for entry-level massage therapists starts at approximately $15.87, while top earners can make up to $40.63 per hour, demonstrating a wide range of earnings based on experience, clientele, and employment type. When viewed through the lens of estimated annual salaries, these hourly numbers serve as a clear indicator of the financial landscape in which massage therapists operate in Athens.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.87 | $126.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.79 | $158.28 |
| Median (P50) | $26.21 | $209.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.55 | $268.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.63 | $325.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $26.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.21/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $54,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,453. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,048.42 | $4,543 | $54,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.05 | $2,726 | $32,711 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.37 | $1,817 | $21,807 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Athens) | $26.21 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $54,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.02% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $58,753.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.21/hr = $32,711/year (purchasing power: $36,065).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,518/year (purchasing power: $60,108).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Athens grew 36.5% from $18.11/hr (2019) to $24.72/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.79/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 Athens 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 Athens
Evaluating income potential further reveals that a part-time massage therapist working a 24-hour week can earn significantly less than full-time counterparts while still enjoying the flexibility that part-time work affords. With many per-diem massage therapists billing between $25 and $60 per session in chain environments, the hourly pay rate is highly variable, especially for those who choose to be self-employed, where cash payments can reach $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session. In Athens, compensation can differ widely depending on the type of employer—franchise spas like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically provide steady bookings at lower rates, while self-employed professionals command higher fees but bear the responsibilities of marketing and overhead. This trade-off between stability and potential earnings is crucial for therapists when considering their career paths. Practical negotiation tips include emphasizing experience and customer satisfaction during discussions with employers, whether in a clinical setting or a private practice, enhancing prospects for higher hourly compensation while balancing benefits like health insurance.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Athens 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 Athens. 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 Athens 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