Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Cleveland Heights, OH: $26.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Cleveland Heights, OH runs $26.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Cleveland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,452 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the median hourly pay for a massage therapist is projected to be $26.80 in 2026, notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This local hourly rate can impact part-time and per-diem therapists significantly, particularly those working in varied environments like day spas, chiropractic clinics, and even mobile practices. For instance, a typical part-time therapist working three days a week might earn an hourly rate ranging from $16.15 at entry-level positions up to $41.55 for seasoned professionals. With this structure, positions in franchise chains may offer less competitive pay compared to self-employed settings, but they often provide better job security and steady client bookings.
About the Cleveland Heights 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) | $16.15 | $129.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.23 | $161.84 |
| Median (P50) | $26.80 | $214.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.31 | $274.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.55 | $332.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland Heights
Based on $26.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.80/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland Heights, OH can expect to earn approximately $55,753 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,165. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,072.18 | $4,646 | $55,753 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.31 | $2,788 | $33,452 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.87 | $1,858 | $22,301 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Cleveland Heights) | $26.80 |
| 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 Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $55,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.03% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $58,758.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.80/hr = $33,452/year (purchasing power: $36,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,753/year (purchasing power: $61,470).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Cleveland Heights grew 36.5% from $18.52/hr (2019) to $25.28/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.42/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 Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights
When examining earning potential, part-time therapists who work 24 hours a week can take home about $33,542 annually, a stark contrast to full-timers who can earn significantly more. Per diem massage therapist pay in Cleveland Heights varies widely, with therapists in chain spas earning between $25-$40 per session, while independent professionals can charge between $60-$100. For those who are self-employed, cash-pay rates can soar to $150 per session, reflecting the high overhead costs they absorb while operating their practices. Employment settings also play a role in compensation; hospitals and integrative medicine programs often offer benefits that larger chains do not. Therapists seeking better pay might negotiate their rates with an eye toward employer-type differences and should consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and health insurance benefits. By understanding the factors at play, massage therapists in Cleveland Heights can better navigate their career paths and financial expectations.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
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 Cleveland Heights. 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 Cleveland Heights 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