Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $24.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Memphis, TN runs $24.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,104 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $24.12, which falls significantly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate suggests that massage therapists working part-time, perhaps three days a week in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile services, may find themselves earning a respectable income, but one that is constrained compared to their counterparts in other parts of the country. The hourly pay can range from $14.11 for entry-level positions to as much as $46.35 for top earners, highlighting the variance in potential earnings depending on experience, location, and type of practice. With the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirming these figures, understanding pay structures becomes increasingly important for those considering massage therapy careers in Memphis.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.11 | $112.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.75 | $158.03 |
| Median (P50) | $24.12 | $192.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.35 | $370.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $24.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.12/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $50,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,946. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $964.87 | $4,181 | $50,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.92 | $2,509 | $30,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.95 | $1,672 | $20,069 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Memphis) | $24.12 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $50,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.04% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.50% below the Tennessee state average of $50,937.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.12/hr = $30,104/year (purchasing power: $32,658).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,173/year (purchasing power: $54,430).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Memphis grew 36.5% from $16.67/hr (2019) to $22.75/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.58/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
For part-time therapists, those working approximately 24 hours a week at a rate of $24.12 can expect to earn around $28,000 annually. This is a notable contrast to full-time practitioners who can far exceed this threshold. Additionally, per diem and agency massage therapists may charge varying rates per session, with typical earnings ranging from $25 to $100 in chain settings, while independent professionals may bill $80 to $150 for a one-hour session. This wide disparity illustrates how remuneration can differ greatly based on employer type, with establishments like Massage Envy providing stability at lower rates compared to self-employed practitioners who face overhead costs. It's also important for therapists in Memphis to leverage negotiation skills when discussing their hourly pay, especially when evaluating offers that include benefits versus higher hourly rates without health insurance. Understanding these dynamics can empower workers to make informed decisions as they navigate their careers in massage therapy.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Memphis?
Are massage therapists in Memphis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Memphis?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
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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 Memphis. 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, 6-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