Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $43.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Portland, OR runs $43.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,839 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,909 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for a massage therapist in Portland, Oregon, is projected to be $43.20, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $29.80. This higher rate reflects the demand for quality massage therapy services across various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and in-home treatments. For part-time therapists working three days a week, flexible schedules can provide a substantial income, especially when considering that hourly rates in this field range from $25.85 for entry-level professionals to as much as $52.83 for those with considerable experience or specialized skills. As of 2026, these estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, suggesting a robust job market for massage therapists in Portland.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.85 | $206.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.40 | $275.17 |
| Median (P50) | $43.20 | $345.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.61 | $396.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.83 | $422.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $43.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.20/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $89,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,836. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,727.86 | $7,487 | $89,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.72 | $4,492 | $53,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $691.15 | $2,995 | $35,940 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Portland) | $43.20 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $89,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 44.96% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 5.50% below the Oregon state average of $95,068.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.20/hr = $53,909/year (purchasing power: $51,137).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,849/year (purchasing power: $85,229).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Portland grew 40.2% from $29.05/hr (2019) to $40.74/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.80/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 Portland 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 Portland
Focusing on the unique dynamics around part-time and per-diem work, a massage therapist who works 24 hours a week could see their annual income reflect the flexibility of their schedule. Assuming an hourly rate of $43.20, part-time therapists could potentially take home around $54,076 yearly, while full-time colleagues earn more substantial annual incomes. On the per-diem side, therapists at chain establishments might bill $25-$40 per session, while independent mid-tier practitioners often charge between $60-$100 per session. For self-employed therapists, rates can reach $80-$150 for a one-hour session, depending on client demographics and market conditions. Employment in different environments also impacts earnings; therapists in high-end hotels may charge premiums compared to those in conventional spas. Therapists may sometimes choose lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, illustrating the balance between stability and potential high earnings in self-employment. Negotiating pay requires an understanding of both local rates and the value of personal services offered.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Portland?
Are massage therapists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Portland?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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