Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $23.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Gallatin, TN runs $23.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,628 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, TN, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $23.74, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly pay point represents a viable income for both part-time and per-diem workers, commonly employed in environments such as spa treatment rooms, sports team training rooms, and mobile practices. With hourly wages ranging from $13.77 at the entry level to $36.80 for higher earners, massage therapists have the potential to configure their weekly schedules to suit their living arrangements. Those who work part-time, say three days a week, benefit from flexible schedules, allowing them to complement their income through various channels including mobile setups or home-based practices.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.77 | $110.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.53 | $148.27 |
| Median (P50) | $23.74 | $189.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.39 | $243.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.80 | $294.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $23.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.74/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $49,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,488. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.60 | $4,115 | $49,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.76 | $2,469 | $29,628 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.84 | $1,646 | $19,752 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Gallatin) | $23.74 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $49,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.32% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $50,908.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.74/hr = $29,628/year (purchasing power: $32,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,379/year (purchasing power: $53,790).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Gallatin grew 36.5% from $16.40/hr (2019) to $22.39/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
Considering the earnings from part-time schedules, a therapist working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate can expect to take home approximately $29,702 annually, which highlights a notable contrast when compared to full-time compensation. Per diem and agency therapists typically charge rates that vary widely based on their employment setting. Standard sessions in chain spas may bill between $25 and $40, while independent practitioners can charge much more, ranging from $80 to $150 per hour for direct-pay services. Additionally, those in Gallatin employed at franchised establishments like Massage Envy may earn less than their self-employed counterparts, who benefit from a direct revenue split but also face overhead costs and marketing demands. As such, negotiating for competitive hourly pay is essential, particularly when health benefits may be available with lower hourly compensation, making it worthwhile to evaluate each employment opportunity carefully.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Gallatin in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Gallatin?
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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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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