Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in University Park, TX: $27.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in University Park, TX runs $27.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against University Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Park, Texas, the projected median hourly rate for massage therapists in 2026 is $27.16, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate significantly impacts both part-time employees and per-diem workers across various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports therapy centers, hotel spas, and private practices. Those working three days a week may earn a comfortable part-time income, particularly in flexible environments like mobile setups or independent practices, where hourly earnings can start from $15.95 and reach up to $42.12 for the most experienced therapists. Evaluating these hourly rates can provide an understanding of which avenues may be more lucrative, particularly for those contemplating either part-time work or a self-employed career in massage therapy.
About the University Park 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) | $15.95 | $127.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.14 | $161.08 |
| Median (P50) | $27.16 | $217.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.78 | $278.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.12 | $336.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Park
Based on $27.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.16/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $56,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,598. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,086.60 | $4,709 | $56,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.96 | $2,825 | $33,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.64 | $1,883 | $22,601 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (University Park) | $27.16 |
| 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 University Park, TX earn a median of $56,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $59,672.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.16/hr = $33,902/year (purchasing power: $35,314).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,503/year (purchasing power: $58,857).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in University Park grew 36.5% from $18.77/hr (2019) to $25.62/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.80/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 University Park 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 University Park
When examining the financial prospects for part-time massage therapists in University Park, those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. For per-diem therapists, billing rates vary widely; those at chain spas typically earn between $25 and $40 per session, while mid-tier independent practices range from $60 to $100 per session. Self-employed therapists can see higher rates, charging between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session, with mobile practitioners commanding premiums of $120 to $200. Depending on their employer type, massage therapists may face trade-offs between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without. It's essential for professionals to negotiate well in University Park, ensuring they account for their unique skill set and experience level, perhaps leveraging memberships in organizations like ABMP or AMTA to enhance credibility when discussing pay.
More salary data for University Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in University Park in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in University Park?
Are massage therapists in University Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in University Park?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in University Park?
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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 University Park. 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 University Park 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