Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Cranston, RI: $29.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Cranston, RI runs $29.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,924 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Cranston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,548 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cranston, Rhode Island, massage therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $29.29, which positions them slightly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate is beneficial for both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem roles, allowing them to earn a respectable income while accommodating flexible schedules, often working in settings such as spas, clinics, or mobile setups. Entry-level therapists may find positions starting at approximately $17.58 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of their game can earn about $45.40 hourly. As the massage therapist hourly pay in Cranston aligns closely with the broader trends observed across RI, it remains an inviting field for those eager to establish a career in this personal care service.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.58 | $140.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.11 | $176.86 |
| Median (P50) | $29.29 | $234.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.49 | $299.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.40 | $363.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cranston
Based on $29.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cranston, RI can expect to earn approximately $60,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,143. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cranston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cranston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.42 | $5,076 | $60,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.85 | $3,046 | $36,548 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.57 | $2,030 | $24,366 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Cranston) | $29.29 |
| 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 Cranston, RI earn a median of $60,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $62,294.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.29/hr = $36,548/year (purchasing power: $36,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,914/year (purchasing power: $60,611).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Cranston grew 36.5% from $20.23/hr (2019) to $27.62/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Cranston 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 Cranston
Considering a part-time schedule, a massage therapist in Cranston working three days a week, amounting to approximately 24 hours, could potentially take home around $45,467 annually. Per diem arrangements also provide unique opportunities in this profession, with rates varying significantly based on the setting. For instance, chain spas may compensate therapists between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners can charge $60 to $100. Self-employed massage therapists typically earn between $80 and $150 per hour for cash-pay sessions, opting for higher flexibility in their practice. Various employer types, from hotel spas to chiropractic clinics, offer diverse payment scales, highlighting a trade-off between guaranteed hours and compensation. When negotiating hourly rates, Cranston therapists should emphasize their specific skills and certifications from reputable organizations like ABMP or AMTA, weighing the benefits of health insurance against potential higher earnings in self-employed roles.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Cranston in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Cranston?
Are massage therapists in Cranston paid hourly or salary?
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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 Cranston. 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 Cranston 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