Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Nashville, TN: $26.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Nashville, TN runs $26.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Nashville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.3, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,174 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Nashville, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $26.58, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, or for per-diem therapists who fill in at various treatment centers. In typical work settings such as spas, chiropractic offices, and mobile in-home setups, practitioners can expect to earn between $20.69 and $48.72 per hour, reflecting the entry-level and top-earning segments of the profession. The hourly pay for massage therapists in this area indicates a rewarding opportunity for those engaged in different work environments, whether they are part of a franchise chain or operating their own independent practices, with particular attention to client demand in vibrant Nashville's health and wellness industry.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.69 | $165.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.27 | $202.14 |
| Median (P50) | $26.58 | $212.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.25 | $297.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.72 | $389.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nashville
Based on $26.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.58/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nashville, TN can expect to earn approximately $55,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,898. With a cost-of-living index of 96.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nashville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nashville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,063.27 | $4,607 | $55,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $637.96 | $2,764 | $33,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.31 | $1,843 | $22,116 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Nashville) | $26.58 |
| 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 Nashville, TN earn a median of $55,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 8.60% above the Tennessee state average of $50,906.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.58/hr = $33,174/year (purchasing power: $34,435).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,290/year (purchasing power: $57,392).
CoL index: 96.338 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Nashville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Nashville grew 20.5% from $20.81/hr (2019) to $25.07/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.18/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 Nashville 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 Nashville
Evaluating the potential for part-time work, a massage therapist in Nashville working three days a week for 24 hours would bring home approximately $33,473 annually, which can vary widely based on the client base and venue. For those offering per diem services, rates fluctuate significantly; chain therapists may earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners often charge $80 to $150 for a 60-minute massage. Understanding the differences in hourly rates across employer types is crucial—therapists may find paid positions in spas or clinics offering stability and possible health benefits, whereas self-employed practitioners may incorporate higher fees but contend with overhead expenses. Negotiating the right rate in Nashville requires knowledge of local industry standards and understanding that accepting lower pay often entails gaining additional professional perks.
More salary data for Nashville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Nashville. 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