Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, OH: $28.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lakewood, OH runs $28.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,079 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, massage therapists in Lakewood, OH, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.11, which is slightly below the national average of $29.80. This rate is reflective of a profession that has diverse working conditions, encompassing part-time, per-diem, and full-time roles across various settings, including day spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels. For those working part-time at three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, the earnings can still provide a reasonable income, especially in a market where the hourly range spans from $16.31 for entry-level positions to $43.57 for seasoned professionals. Whether in a client’s home, a private practice, or a bustling resort spa, the varied environments in which these therapists operate significantly influence their earning potential, shaped by client demand and their ability to secure bookings.
About the Lakewood 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) | $16.31 | $130.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.24 | $161.93 |
| Median (P50) | $28.11 | $224.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.98 | $287.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.57 | $348.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $28.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.11/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, OH can expect to earn approximately $58,466 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,730. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,124.34 | $4,872 | $58,466 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.61 | $2,923 | $35,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.74 | $1,949 | $23,386 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lakewood) | $28.11 |
| 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 Lakewood, OH earn a median of $58,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.66% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $58,759.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.11/hr = $35,079/year (purchasing power: $38,676).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,466/year (purchasing power: $64,461).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood grew 36.5% from $19.42/hr (2019) to $26.51/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.80/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In the context of part-time employment, those working as massage therapists in Lakewood can take home substantial sums, depending on their session rates and scheduling. A therapist working three days a week could bring in about $40,000 annually, based on the anticipated number of sessions. For per-diem massage therapists, rates vary widely; with service fees ranging from $25 to $100 per session in chain spas and independent practices, self-employed therapists often charge $80 to $150 for a direct-pay session, reflecting their higher skill level and exclusivity. Massage therapists in various work environments such as corporate wellness programs or mobile in-home services might find their hourly rates fluctuate significantly. Balancing these variables, professionals must weigh the trade-offs between optimizing their hourly rate—potentially higher with self-employment—versus the employment security and benefits of working with established franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. Practical negotiation strategies can also enhance earnings, encouraging therapists to advocate for their value based on their experience and the quality of their services.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lakewood 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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