Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Norman, OK: $26.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Norman, OK runs $26.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,840 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Norman's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,505 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Norman, Oklahoma, the projected median hourly rate for massage therapists is set at $26.85, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This hourly wage presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem massage therapists in the area, especially those working in environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or private practices. For those opting for a part-time schedule of three days a week, the hourly pay can effectively translate to a sustainable income through consistent client bookings. The hourly wage range for massage therapists in Norman extends from $15.58 at the entry level to $41.61 for top earners, showcasing the potential for both newly licensed therapists and seasoned professionals alike to thrive in various settings across the city.
About the Norman Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.58 | $124.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.56 | $164.47 |
| Median (P50) | $26.85 | $214.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.36 | $274.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.61 | $332.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norman
Based on $26.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.85/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norman, OK can expect to earn approximately $55,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,216. With a cost-of-living index of 88.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.87 | $4,653 | $55,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.32 | $2,792 | $33,505 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.55 | $1,861 | $22,337 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Norman) | $26.85 |
| 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 Norman, OK earn a median of $55,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% above the Oklahoma state average of $55,069.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.85/hr = $33,505/year (purchasing power: $37,688).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,841/year (purchasing power: $62,814).
CoL index: 88.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Norman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Norman grew 36.5% from $18.55/hr (2019) to $25.32/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.47/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 Norman 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 Norman
On another note, examining the potential annual earnings reveals a distinct contrast between part-time and full-time massage therapists. A part-time therapist working 24 hours a week could realistically bring home around $33,408 annually, which provides a decent livelihood while allowing for flexibility. The reality for per-diem massage therapists varies widely; those filling sessions in chain spas may charge between $25-$40 per session, while higher-end independent therapists can bill up to $100 or more per session. Self-employed individuals often command $80-$150 for an hour-long service, significantly impacting their income despite the responsibility of handling overhead costs. The differences in hourly pay across employer types—such as franchises, private practices, and mobile services—reflect choices therapists make regarding benefits versus pay rates. In a city like Norman, effective negotiation, especially for those working on a per diem basis, becomes crucial as therapists navigate opportunities that align with their financial goals while balancing the pros and cons associated with various employment models.
More salary data for Norman, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Norman in 2026?
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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 Norman. 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 Norman 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