Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $29.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Richardson, TX runs $29.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Richardson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,231 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richardson, Texas, the projected massage therapist hourly rate is $29.03, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate presents various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels. For someone working three days a week, this hourly wage positions therapists to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. Hourly earnings range widely from $16.84 at the entry level to $45.00 for experienced professionals, making it a viable career choice for many. The variation in hourly pay reflects different workplaces and specialties, which is something aspiring massage therapists should consider when exploring job opportunities in Richardson.
About the Richardson 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) | $16.84 | $134.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.19 | $177.54 |
| Median (P50) | $29.03 | $232.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.16 | $297.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.00 | $359.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $29.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.03/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, TX can expect to earn approximately $60,385 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,837. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,161.24 | $5,032 | $60,385 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.74 | $3,019 | $36,231 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.50 | $2,013 | $24,154 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Richardson) | $29.03 |
| 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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $60,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.56% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $59,670.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.03/hr = $36,231/year (purchasing power: $37,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,385/year (purchasing power: $62,901).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Richardson grew 36.5% from $20.06/hr (2019) to $27.38/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.78/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 Richardson 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 Richardson
With an annual earning potential, part-time massage therapists working 24 hours a week could bring home around $36,128, a figure that highlights the appeal of flexible work hours. In contrast, per-diem massage therapist pay in Richardson can vary significantly; many therapists working through agencies or fill-in roles charge between $25 and $40 for lower-tier establishments, while mid-tier independent practitioners can command rates of $60 to $100 per session. Those operating a self-employed practice may see revenues between $80 and $150 per hour-long appointment. The choice of employer type impacts earnings, as spas and chains like Massage Envy tend to offer lower hourly rates compared to independent or self-employed setups, where therapists manage their own finances but also take on more business risks. Negotiating for higher hourly pay while balancing benefits like health insurance is a common challenge in this field, particularly for those in Richardson looking to maximize their earnings while mitigating risks. Understanding the nuances of massage therapist hourly pay in Richardson is essential for making informed career decisions in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Richardson, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Richardson in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Richardson?
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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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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