Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Norfolk, VA runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,888 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $29.75, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $29.80. This compensation allows massage therapists to enjoy diverse work arrangements, whether they opt for part-time roles in spas, chiropractic clinics, or mobile services. For those working three days a week, the flexibility of hourly pay is appealing, especially considering the wage range that spans from $17.26 for entry-level positions to $46.12 for top earners in the field. Hourly rates in Norfolk can be reflective of various employment settings, shaping the pricing structure in different practices and ultimately influencing the therapist's income throughout the year.
About the Norfolk 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) | $17.26 | $138.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.42 | $171.34 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.09 | $304.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.12 | $368.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $61,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,702. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.08 | $5,157 | $61,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.05 | $3,094 | $37,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.03 | $2,063 | $24,754 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Norfolk) | $29.75 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $61,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $63,933.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,131/year (purchasing power: $35,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,884/year (purchasing power: $59,965).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Norfolk grew 36.5% from $20.56/hr (2019) to $28.06/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.55/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For part-time massage therapists working just 24 hours weekly, the earnings could translate to around $36,960 annually, a significant difference from those in full-time roles. Per diem and agency work present unique financial scenarios, with these therapists often billing between $25-$40 for common chain spa sessions, escalating to $60-$100 in independent settings, and cash-pay self-employed therapists earning between $80-$150 per hour. Norfolk's massage therapist hourly rate varies greatly across employer types such as resorts, day spas, and private practices. While some may accept lower wages for the benefits associated with full-time employment, others might prioritize higher pay with the trade-off of no health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay in Norfolk, it is wise to consider the local market trends, unique service offerings, and overall competition when establishing one's worth in this growing field, which is projected to expand at a rate of 6.03% annually.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Norfolk?
Are massage therapists in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Norfolk?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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