Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $32.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Alexandria, VA runs $32.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,570 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $32.96, notably higher than the national median of $29.80. This premium not only reflects the higher cost of living in the area but also positions Alexandria as a competitive market for massage services. For those working part-time at three days a week, this rate translates into considerable earnings, especially in diverse settings such as day spas, hotels, and mobile practices. The hourly wage can range from $19.54 for entry-level positions to $51.10 for the top 10% of earners, highlighting the potential for income growth within this profession. These figures are generated from annual salary projections, indicating that massage therapists in Alexandria can expect various remuneration levels depending on their experience and the specifics of their work environment.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.54 | $156.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.78 | $198.23 |
| Median (P50) | $32.96 | $263.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.20 | $337.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.10 | $408.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $32.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.96/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,558. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,318.59 | $5,714 | $68,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $791.15 | $3,428 | $41,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.44 | $2,286 | $27,427 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Alexandria) | $32.96 |
| 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 Alexandria, VA earn a median of $68,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.64% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 7.20% above the Virginia state average of $63,964.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.96/hr = $41,140/year (purchasing power: $39,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,567/year (purchasing power: $66,441).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Alexandria grew 36.5% from $22.78/hr (2019) to $31.09/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.95/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Amid contrasting employment scenarios, the earning potential for part-time massage therapists can reveal a different story. Working three days a week, a therapist clocks about 24 hours, potentially bringing home $77,051 annually if fully booked at the median rate, compared to an employee working full-time. Per diem massage therapists often see pay fluctuate, billing between $25 and $40 per session at franchise locations like Massage Envy, while independent therapists might charge $60 to $100 for mid-tier services, or even higher for self-employed cash-pay sessions ranging from $80 to $150 for an hour. Different work environments can also impact pay, with typical hourly rates varying across day spas, physical therapy clinics, and mobile practices. Some therapists accept lower wages at established firms for benefits like health insurance, whereas others prefer the freedom of self-employment despite its income variability. For those navigating negotiations in Alexandria, understanding these details can lead to better compensation agreements that reflect their skill level and market demand.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Alexandria?
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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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria 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