Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Johnston, RI: $28.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Johnston, RI runs $28.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Rhode Island, massage therapy positions are projected to pay a median hourly rate of $28.96 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $29.80. This rate translates notably well for part-time therapists who often work three days a week, as well as those on a per-diem basis. The diverse settings where massage therapists find employment, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports team training rooms, and hotel spas, all contribute to varying earnings. The hourly compensation for massage therapists in Johnston ranges from approximately $18.33 for entry-level positions to $44.88 for top earners, reflecting both experience and the type of establishment. It is crucial to recognize that these hourly figures are inferred from the overall annual salary data for massage therapists in the area.
About the Johnston 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) | $18.33 | $146.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.86 | $174.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.96 | $231.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.07 | $296.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.88 | $359.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $28.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.96/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, RI can expect to earn approximately $60,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,748. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.27 | $5,019 | $60,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.96 | $3,012 | $36,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.31 | $2,008 | $24,092 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Johnston) | $28.96 |
| 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 Johnston, RI earn a median of $60,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $62,285.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.96/hr = $36,138/year (purchasing power: $35,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,230/year (purchasing power: $59,930).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Johnston grew 36.5% from $20.01/hr (2019) to $27.31/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.70/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
When considering part-time earnings, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $39,709 annually. In contrast, full-time therapists, who typically enjoy more stable bookings, can make significantly more. For those taking on gig or per-diem roles, such as fill-in positions at spas or clinics, the expected pay can differ widely—from $25 to $40 per session in franchise settings to $80 to $150 for self-employed practitioners. The type of employer also influences hourly compensation; for example, therapists at franchise chains like Massage Envy may earn less than those at independent practices. Moreover, some massage therapists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for valuable benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay and work independently. For those working in Johnston, it is essential to negotiate effectively, considering factors such as your unique qualifications and the demand for massage therapy services in the local market.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Johnston in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Johnston?
Are massage therapists in Johnston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Johnston?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Johnston?
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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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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