Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $29.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $29.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is established at $29.39, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $29.80. This hourly rate opens opportunities for both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem positions within various work settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices. For instance, a therapist working three days a week can expect approximately $23,903 annually, highlighting a viable income potential for those seeking flexible hours. Entry-level positions may start as low as $17.05, while top earners can achieve up to $45.56 per hour, thus indicating a wide range of earning possibilities within the profession.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.05 | $136.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.68 | $173.47 |
| Median (P50) | $29.39 | $235.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.63 | $301.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.56 | $364.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $29.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.39/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $61,134 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,270. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.66 | $5,095 | $61,134 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.40 | $3,057 | $36,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.26 | $2,038 | $24,454 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Wilkes-Barre) | $29.39 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $61,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,139.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.39/hr = $36,681/year (purchasing power: $37,660).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,134/year (purchasing power: $62,766).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Wilkes-Barre grew 36.5% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $27.72/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.16/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Evaluating the part-time earning potential, a therapist working only 24 hours a week may take home a modest yearly income compared to full-time colleagues. Part-time positions often lack benefits, which can be a significant trade-off for many in the healthcare field. For those considering per-diem roles, pay rates can vary widely; typical chain spas might offer $25 to $40 per session, while independent practices might charge between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session. The diversity of employer types—spas, chiropractic offices, and mobile services—also contributes to variations in pay. Self-employed therapists, while potentially seeing higher hourly earnings without benefits, must manage their own marketing and overhead costs. Negotiation is essential; understanding local pay trends and being armed with knowledge about spa and therapy center compensation frameworks is advisable for effective discussions regarding hourly rates in Wilkes-Barre’s massage therapy scene.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Wilkes-Barre?
Are massage therapists in Wilkes-Barre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Wilkes-Barre?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Wilkes-Barre?
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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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