Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $30.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Austin, TX runs $30.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,467 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Austin, TX, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at $30.82, which surpasses the national hourly median of $29.80. This competitive rate offers flexibility for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing them to thrive in various environments, such as spas, chiropractic treatment rooms, and mobile practices. Therapists working three days a week can efficiently balance their schedules while enjoying a meaningful income. The hourly pay ranges from $18.15 at the entry level to $55.81 for the most skilled practitioners in the field, indicating a growing demand for massage therapy services in the area. Such official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests a healthy job market for licensed therapists who can provide specialized care across diverse settings, from hotel spas to self-owned practices in Austin.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.15 | $145.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.62 | $212.99 |
| Median (P50) | $30.82 | $246.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.51 | $316.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.81 | $446.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $30.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.82/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $64,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,988. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,232.92 | $5,343 | $64,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.75 | $3,206 | $38,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.17 | $2,137 | $25,645 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Austin) | $30.82 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $64,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 7.50% above the Texas state average of $59,633.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.82/hr = $38,467/year (purchasing power: $39,226).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,112/year (purchasing power: $65,376).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Austin grew 36.5% from $21.30/hr (2019) to $29.07/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.68/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 Austin 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 Austin
The annual earning potential for part-time therapists, particularly those working 24 hours a week, can yield an annual income of approximately $30,000 when calculated at a consistent hourly rate. For many, the reality of per-diem massage therapist pay in Austin often fluctuates; fill-in therapists at large chains like Massage Envy might earn $25 to $40 per session, while more independent or self-employed practitioners can significantly increase their rates, charging anywhere from $80 to $150 for a 60-minute appointment and even higher for mobile services. Hourly rates in Austin differ significantly depending on the work environment. Spas may offer lower rates compared to private practices that cater to higher-end clientele. Some therapists are willing to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, making negotiation skills crucial for those focused on maximizing their income. Understanding the intricacies of employer types and service rates can empower massage therapists to make informed career decisions and advocate for their compensation.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
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 Austin. 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