Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Galveston, TX runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Galveston, TX, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.77 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly pay creates various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem therapists. Those working three days a week in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotel massage rooms can find their schedules accommodating while still generating substantial income. For entry-level therapists, hourly earnings can start around $16.69, while established professionals and specialists may be able to command rates as high as $44.59 per hour. These rates reflect income potential based on annual estimates and highlight a diverse landscape for massage therapy employment in Galveston, whether one chooses to work in mobile setups, self-employed practices, or established franchise chains.
About the Galveston 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) | $16.69 | $133.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.86 | $166.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.82 | $294.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.59 | $356.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $59,833 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,519. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.64 | $4,986 | $59,833 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.38 | $2,992 | $35,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.26 | $1,994 | $23,933 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Galveston) | $28.77 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $59,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.46% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $59,654.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,900/year (purchasing power: $37,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,833/year (purchasing power: $62,326).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Galveston grew 36.5% from $19.88/hr (2019) to $27.13/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.50/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
In considering the earning potential, those working part-time—approximately 24 hours a week—can expect a substantial difference in take-home income compared to full-time therapists. A part-time massage therapist could see annual earnings ranging from about $32,000 to $40,000, based on their hourly commitments. For per-diem massage therapists in Galveston, compensation can vary widely, with rates around $25-$40 per session at chain establishments and $60-$100 at independent mid-tier spas. For therapists who opt for self-employed mobile services, the income can leap to between $120 and $200 per session, representing a significant advantage despite additional responsibility. The differences in hourly rates across various employer types significantly influence job choice. Franchise settings, while offering consistent bookings, often provide lower pay compared to self-employed practices that allow for higher earnings but come with additional business management challenges. Negotiating pay becomes a vital skill in this context; knowing the market standards and potential benefits, such as health insurance, can aid therapists in making informed decisions about their work arrangements in Galveston.
More salary data for Galveston, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Galveston in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Galveston?
Are massage therapists in Galveston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Galveston?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Galveston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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