Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in The Dalles, OR: $42.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in The Dalles, OR runs $42.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against The Dalles's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,864 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In The Dalles, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $42.36, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This advantageous rate offers flexibility for those seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, allowing therapists to balance their schedules while still achieving substantial earnings. The hourly range in The Dalles extends from $26.85 for entry-level positions to up to $65.65 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the demand and expertise levels in various settings, including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, sports team facilities, and mobile practices. The flexibility in the industry means therapists can tailor their schedules to fit their lifestyle, whether it's through per-diem contracts, part-time employment, or running a self-owned practice.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.85 | $214.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.87 | $262.95 |
| Median (P50) | $42.36 | $338.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.21 | $433.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.65 | $525.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in The Dalles
Based on $42.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.36/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in The Dalles, OR can expect to earn approximately $88,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,831. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in The Dalles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in The Dalles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,694.36 | $7,342 | $88,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.62 | $4,405 | $52,864 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.74 | $2,937 | $35,243 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (The Dalles) | $42.36 |
| 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 The Dalles, OR earn a median of $88,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.16% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 7.30% below the Oregon state average of $95,040.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.36/hr = $52,864/year (purchasing power: $51,524).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,107/year (purchasing power: $85,874).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in The Dalles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in The Dalles grew 36.5% from $29.27/hr (2019) to $39.95/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.91/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 The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Considering the part-time earning potential, a massage therapist in The Dalles working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $51,648 annually. In contrast, those engaged in per-diem work, often found in spa environments, will typically bill between $25 and $100 per session depending on the establishment's tier, illustrating a wide variation in per diem massage therapist pay in The Dalles. In self-employed settings, cash-pay therapists charge $80 to $150 per 60-minute session, offering lucrative opportunities despite the responsibility of managing overhead costs. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ considerably based on employer types—from franchise chains that may offer lower pay yet consistent bookings to independent practices that afford therapists higher rates. Those accepting positions with benefits often find themselves in a trade-off situation, choosing stability over higher hourly earnings. Effective negotiation skills are crucial in this competitive market, where understanding the value of one’s expertise and the local demand can greatly influence pay rates.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
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 The Dalles. 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 The Dalles 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