Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $29.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Arlington, TX runs $29.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,786 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $29.48, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This competitive hourly rate provides a solid living for both full-time and part-time massage therapists, particularly when considering roles in popular settings like day spas, physical therapy clinics, and hotel spas. For those opting for part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the average hourly income can be appealing, allowing flexibility alongside stable earnings. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $17.09 per hour, while more experienced professionals may command up to $45.69 per hour, reflecting the wide range in pay based on skill level and workplace. For per-diem massage therapists seeking occasional work, this pay structure offers promising incentives to engage in various settings across Arlington.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.09 | $136.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.22 | $169.73 |
| Median (P50) | $29.48 | $235.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.73 | $301.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.69 | $365.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $29.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.48/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $61,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,372. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.05 | $5,109 | $61,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.43 | $3,066 | $36,786 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.62 | $2,044 | $24,524 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Arlington) | $29.48 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $61,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.80% above the Texas state average of $59,635.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.48/hr = $36,786/year (purchasing power: $38,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,311/year (purchasing power: $63,865).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Arlington grew 36.5% from $20.37/hr (2019) to $27.80/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time massage therapists reveals that working approximately 24 hours per week can yield an annual income around $36,700 based on the median hourly rate. This contrasts sharply with the financial benefits of full-time roles, particularly in wellness-focused environments such as chiropractic offices and resorts, where therapists may enjoy a blend of hourly pay and benefits. For per-diem or agency work, therapists may bill anywhere from $25-$40 per session at franchise chains to $60-$100 per session with independent practices, while self-employed therapists can charge $80-$150 per hour for cash-pay services, with mobile setups reaching as high as $200 per session. Each employer type offers distinct advantages; franchise chains provide a steady stream of clients but lower pay, while self-employed roles can yield higher income but come with the challenges of managing business overhead and client acquisition. Negotiation strategies specific to the Arlington job market may include discussing potential benefits such as health insurance against higher pay, allowing therapists to tailor their career choices to their personal financial needs and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Arlington?
Are massage therapists in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Arlington?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington?
Related Pages
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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