Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $28.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Lancaster, OH runs $28.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,027 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, Ohio, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $28.07, which is slightly lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly figure can provide a comfortable living for those working in diverse settings such as spas, chiropractic offices, and mobile practices. A part-time therapist working three days a week would find this rate effective, especially in environments like hotels and cruise ships where tips can supplement earnings. The salary range for massage therapists in this area is quite broad, with entry-level positions starting around $16.71/hour and top earners reaching up to $43.49/hour. Notably, these rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, indicating that even within a competitive job market, effective earning strategies can lead to a lucrative career.
About the Lancaster 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) | $16.71 | $133.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.03 | $168.21 |
| Median (P50) | $28.07 | $224.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.92 | $287.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.49 | $347.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $28.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.07/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $58,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,679. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.65 | $4,865 | $58,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.59 | $2,919 | $35,027 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.06 | $1,946 | $23,351 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Lancaster) | $28.07 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $58,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.82% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $58,781.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.07/hr = $35,027/year (purchasing power: $38,618).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,378/year (purchasing power: $64,363).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Lancaster grew 36.5% from $19.39/hr (2019) to $26.47/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.76/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For part-time massage therapists, working approximately 24 hours per week can yield a modest annual income when compared to full-time practitioners. Many find that per-diem or agency work brings varying rates, often billing between $25-$40 for each session at chain establishments, while independent practitioners may command between $80-$150 per session. In Lancaster, the type of employer significantly influences hourly wages; for instance, therapists in franchise chains might earn less due to structured pay rates, whereas self-employed therapists have the potential for higher earnings but must manage their marketing and overhead costs. Additionally, those with a focus on securing health benefits may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for a more consistent income and coverage. Negotiating your worth based on the setting and your qualifications can play a pivotal role in aligning expectations with actual earning potential.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Lancaster?
Are massage therapists in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Lancaster?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
Related Pages
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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