Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $24.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Chattanooga, TN runs $24.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,926 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,554 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, the projected median massage therapist hourly pay stands at $24.48, falling significantly short of the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This figure reflects the competitive market for massage therapists in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this hourly pay translates into a decent income, fitting for therapists who wish to balance their work and personal life. Those in entry-level positions may earn approximately $18.41 per hour, while seasoned experts in the field have the potential to command rates as high as $43.67 per hour, showcasing the wide range of pay based on experience and clientele.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.41 | $147.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.81 | $190.51 |
| Median (P50) | $24.48 | $195.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.27 | $274.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.67 | $349.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $24.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.48/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $50,923 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,379. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $979.29 | $4,244 | $50,923 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $587.58 | $2,546 | $30,554 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.72 | $1,697 | $20,369 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Chattanooga) | $24.48 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $50,926 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.83% lower than the national median of $61,975.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.48/hr = $30,554/year (purchasing power: $33,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,923/year (purchasing power: $55,676).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Chattanooga grew 22.6% from $18.84/hr (2019) to $23.09/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.96/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
For therapists considering part-time work in Chattanooga, a 24-hour week translates to an annual income of about $30,530, which is a viable option for many in this profession. Per-diem massage therapists at local spas may charge around $25-$40 per session with franchises, whereas independent therapists could see $60-$100 per session for mid-tier services. The trend continues with self-employed practitioners earning a premium of $80-$150 per session, while mobile therapists can demand $120-$200 per session, highlighting the potential to significantly increase earnings with direct cash payments. Differences in hourly rates across various employer types reflect a balance of benefits and pay. For instance, therapists in franchise settings might accept lower hourly rates for the security of steady bookings and employer-provided benefits, while those opting for self-employment or mobile practices typically face more rigorous marketing demands but enjoy higher pay per hour. Compensation negotiation can be vital in this field; therefore, it's advisable for therapists in Chattanooga to research prevailing rates and articulate their value when discussing terms with potential employers.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Chattanooga in 2026?
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Are massage therapists in Chattanooga paid hourly or salary?
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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 Chattanooga. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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