Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $26.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $26.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the expected massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $26.10 in 2026, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This lower rate impacts various working arrangements, especially for part-time therapists who typically operate three days a week. In practice settings that range from spa treatment rooms to chiropractic offices and mobile in-home services, massage therapy can often be structured around flexible schedules. With hourly wages for entry-level therapists beginning around $15.14 and top earners reaching up to $40.47, there is a significant earning potential contingent on experience, specialization, and business model. This creates diverse financial opportunities for massage therapists in Murfreesboro, aligning with their career goals and lifestyle preferences.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $15.14 | $121.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.63 |
| Median (P50) | $26.10 | $208.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.42 | $267.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.47 | $323.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $26.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.10/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $54,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,326. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,044.18 | $4,525 | $54,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.51 | $2,715 | $32,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.67 | $1,810 | $21,719 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Murfreesboro) | $26.10 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $54,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.38% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.60% above the Tennessee state average of $50,942.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.10/hr = $32,579/year (purchasing power: $35,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,298/year (purchasing power: $59,148).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Murfreesboro grew 36.5% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $24.62/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.68/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
When evaluating the earning potential for part-time therapists working an estimated 24 hours a week, it’s crucial to recognize the variation based on employer type. A three-day workweek in this market could yield around $31,000 annually, compared to full-time earnings that align more closely with higher expectations but require substantial commitment. Per diem massage therapist pay in Murfreesboro varies widely, with independent professionals charging as much as $80-$150 per hour for cash-pay sessions while typical chain establishments, like Massage Envy, offer lower rates, ranging from $25-$40 per session. Factors affecting hourly rates include the practice's business model and the availability of benefits. Self-employed therapists can potentially earn more but must also manage overhead costs. To negotiate effectively in this landscape, it’s advisable to assess the value of benefits when choosing between lower hourly rates with guaranteed work versus the higher earning potential of cash-pay setups.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Murfreesboro?
Are massage therapists in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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