Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Burlington, VT: $25.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Burlington, VT runs $25.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Burlington, Vermont, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.29, which is notably below the national median of $29.80. This pay level is reflective of the competitive job market and specific employment settings where therapists often work. For those seeking part-time opportunities or engaging in per-diem arrangements, this pay translates to approximately $1,015 for a three-day work week, assuming 24 hours of work, which can provide valuable flexibility. The hourly range for therapists in Burlington spans from $15.59 at the entry-level to as much as $39.20 for top earners, providing various options for both new graduates and seasoned professionals depending on their work environment—whether in spa treatment rooms, chiropractic offices, or mobile in-home services.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.59 | $124.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.42 | $155.40 |
| Median (P50) | $25.29 | $202.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $258.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.20 | $313.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $25.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.29/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $52,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,346. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.53 | $4,383 | $52,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.92 | $2,630 | $31,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.61 | $1,753 | $21,040 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Burlington) | $25.29 |
| 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 Burlington, VT earn a median of $52,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% below the Vermont state average of $54,797.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.29/hr = $31,560/year (purchasing power: $30,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,599/year (purchasing power: $50,821).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Burlington grew 27.3% from $18.73/hr (2019) to $23.85/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.81/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
When considering the potential income of a part-time massage therapist in Burlington, those working three days a week might bring home around $52,605 annually, significantly contrasting with the earnings of full-time therapists. Per-diem massage therapists often charge fees that vary widely based on their employment context; those working at chains may earn $25-$40 per session, while mid-tier independents can bill between $60-$100 per session. For self-employed therapists, cash-pay sessions can yield $80-$150 for an hour, especially with mobile in-home services commanding rates as high as $120-$200. Working across diverse employer types can influence compensation; spas and hospitals typically offer steadier hours and benefits, while self-employed therapists enjoy higher pay but bear their overhead. Many massage therapists in Burlington must weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, such as health insurance, often negotiating contracts to ensure compensation aligns with their career goals.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Burlington in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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