Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Harrisonburg, VA: $30.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Harrisonburg, VA runs $30.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Harrisonburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Harrisonburg, Virginia, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $30.30, which is slightly higher than the national median of $29.80 per hour. This appealing hourly rate benefits various types of employment arrangements, including part-time schedules and per-diem work. Many therapists in Harrisonburg operate in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices, allowing them to adjust their hours and manage their workloads flexibly. Within the city, hourly rates range from $18.53 for entry-level positions to $46.97 for experienced top earners, indicating a healthy income potential for those pursuing this profession. The salary estimates are derived from annual salary data, which speaks to the varied earnings potential within the massage therapy field.
About the Harrisonburg 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) | $18.53 | $148.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.09 |
| Median (P50) | $30.30 | $242.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.79 | $310.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.97 | $375.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisonburg
Based on $30.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.30/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisonburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $63,031 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,364. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Harrisonburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisonburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.13 | $5,253 | $63,031 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.28 | $3,152 | $37,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.85 | $2,101 | $25,212 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Harrisonburg) | $30.30 |
| 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 Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $63,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $63,986.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.30/hr = $37,819/year (purchasing power: $36,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,031/year (purchasing power: $61,077).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Harrisonburg grew 36.5% from $20.94/hr (2019) to $28.58/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.13/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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg
Considering part-time work, a massage therapist in Harrisonburg working three days a week for approximately 24 hours will take home about $36,540 annually, which can be quite feasible for those seeking supplemental income. Per diem massage therapists often charge based on session rates, which can vary significantly; in chain settings, therapists may earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners often charge $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session. Hourly variations across different employer types reflect nationwide trends, with franchises like Massage Envy generally offering lower pay than self-employed therapists who manage their own business but enjoy higher hourly pay without employee benefits. For those considering negotiations for their hourly rate in Harrisonburg, it’s advisable to highlight unique skills or specialized training to advocate for better pay and conditions based on industry standards set by organizations like ABMP and AMTA.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Harrisonburg in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Harrisonburg?
Are massage therapists in Harrisonburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Harrisonburg?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Harrisonburg?
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 Harrisonburg. 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 Harrisonburg 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