Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $36.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Waco, TX runs $36.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,168 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, the average massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $36.99 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This elevated rate allows for meaningful earnings even for those working part-time or per diem schedules, such as therapists operating in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, sports training rooms, or mobile practices. With an hourly range stretching from $15.06 for entry-level positions to $53.78 for top earners, aspiring massage therapists can anticipate various financial trajectories based on experience, clientele, and business model. The BLS data indicates that Waco's appeal as a location for massage therapy work facilitates competitive pay relative to the national averages, making it a practical choice for professionals in this field.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.06 | $120.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.93 | $207.48 |
| Median (P50) | $36.99 | $295.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.78 | $430.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.78 | $430.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $36.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.99/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $76,947 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,393. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,479.75 | $6,412 | $76,947 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.85 | $3,847 | $46,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.90 | $2,565 | $30,779 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Waco) | $36.99 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $76,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.14% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 29.00% above the Texas state average of $59,640.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.99/hr = $46,168/year (purchasing power: $49,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,947/year (purchasing power: $83,141).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Waco grew 36.5% from $25.56/hr (2019) to $34.89/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.22/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 Waco 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 Waco
When assessing part-time work, a massage therapist in Waco operating three days a week might expect to earn around $28,928 annually based on a 24-hour work schedule. In contrast, full-time employment may yield considerably higher earnings, demonstrating how part-time roles can fit into personal schedules yet yield lower incomes. Furthermore, the per diem massage therapist pay in Waco can vary widely; therapists may charge between $25-$40 per session in chain environments or $60-$100 in mid-tier independent settings, while self-employed practitioners charge $80-$150 per 60-minute session and mobile in-home services command even higher rates of $120-$200. The varied settings influence compensation significantly, with franchises typically offering lower hourly rates but more predictable schedules compared to self-employed roles, which, while potentially more lucrative, include the responsibility of all business costs. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include discussing potential clients, flexible hours, or additional benefits to increase overall compensation, understanding that in Waco, the hourly pay landscape reflects a mix of skill, experience, and business model.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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, 2-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