Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $25.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Pierre, SD runs $25.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,420 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $25.98 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This disparity highlights a unique aspect of the local job market for massage therapists. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, their earnings can be modest but steady, especially in diverse settings like day spas, chiropractic clinics, or even private practices. Hourly rates in Pierre range from $15.07 for entry-level therapists to $40.27 for those at the higher end of the pay scale, showing a substantial potential for income growth as therapists gain experience and establish their reputation.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.07 | $120.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.59 | $164.73 |
| Median (P50) | $25.98 | $207.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.25 | $266.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.27 | $322.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $25.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.98/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $54,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,173. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,039.09 | $4,503 | $54,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $623.46 | $2,702 | $32,420 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.64 | $1,801 | $21,613 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Pierre) | $25.98 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $54,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $57,483.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.98/hr = $32,420/year (purchasing power: $34,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,033/year (purchasing power: $58,225).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Pierre grew 36.5% from $17.95/hr (2019) to $24.50/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.54/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
When considering part-time work, a massage therapist who consistently works 24 hours per week can earn an estimated $30,000 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings, which could exceed $54,034. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Pierre offers variability; while those filling positions at chain spas may bill between $25 to $40 per session, mid-tier independents can charge up to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists may enjoy even higher earnings, charging $80-$150 for a typical hour-long session, but they assume all marketing and overhead costs. Factors influencing these rates include the type of employing entity, with franchises like Massage Envy often providing steady clientele but lower compensation compared to self-owned practices. Additionally, therapists must decide between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits or pursuing higher hourly pay without health insurance. Practical negotiation for hourly positions might include emphasizing experience and certification to secure better compensation, allowing therapists in Pierre to thrive within their vocational pursuits.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Pierre?
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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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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