Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, TN: $24.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Smyrna, TN runs $24.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Tennessee, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $24.75, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate impacts various employment scenarios, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who usually operate in settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home setups. With the hourly range stretching from $14.36 at the entry level to $38.36 for those at the 90th percentile, earning potential can vary significantly based on experience and type of employer. This data, derived from estimated annual salary figures, reflects the competitive landscape that massage therapists navigate in Smyrna, particularly when considering all types of employment, from established franchise chains to independent practices.
About the Smyrna 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) | $14.36 | $114.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.17 | $145.39 |
| Median (P50) | $24.75 | $197.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.68 | $253.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.36 | $306.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $24.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.75/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, TN can expect to earn approximately $51,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,697. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.90 | $4,290 | $51,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.94 | $2,574 | $30,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.96 | $1,716 | $20,590 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Smyrna) | $24.75 |
| 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 Smyrna, TN earn a median of $51,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.94% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $50,915.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.75/hr = $30,885/year (purchasing power: $33,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,475/year (purchasing power: $56,073).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Smyrna grew 36.5% from $17.10/hr (2019) to $23.34/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.24/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
Part-time massage therapists working three days a week, totalling around 24 hours, can expect annual earnings to be considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, making budgeting essential in the field. Per-diem therapists can charge from $25 to $40 per session at chain spas, while those affiliated with mid-tier independent establishments may earn between $60 and $100 per session. Self-employed cash-pay therapists could charge $80 to $150 per hour, with mobile services fetching even higher fees, between $120 to $200 per session. Each employment type carries its trade-offs; many therapists may accept lower hourly wages with corporate employers in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer the higher rates offered in private practice without the security of benefits. For those in Smyrna looking to maximize their earning potential, negotiating pay based on the services offered and establishing a solid client base can be key strategies to thrive in the massage therapy field.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Smyrna in 2026?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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