Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Portsmouth, VA runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth, Virginia, the projected massage therapist hourly pay in 2026 stands at $29.75, showing a slight dip compared to the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate is indicative of the earnings potential for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists working in various settings, such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. With an hourly range between $17.31 (entry-level positions) and $46.11 (top earners), aspiring therapists can find flexibility in their work schedules. Many may opt for part-time roles, typically around three days a week, enabling therapeutic work while balancing other commitments. Given the diverse employment environments, this hourly rate allows for varied income opportunities tailored to individual lifestyles and preferences.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $17.31 | $138.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.08 | $176.60 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.09 | $304.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.11 | $368.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| 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 (Portsmouth) | $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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $61,887 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 $63,932.
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 Portsmouth (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 | $22.08/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
As the per diem massage therapist pay in Portsmouth varies significantly based on employment settings and client arrangements, it’s important to consider the true earning potential. A part-time therapist working 24 hours per week may take home considerably less annually compared to a full-time colleague, but the flexibility might be worth the trade-off. Per diem massage therapists often charge different rates, with chain spas paying between $25-$40 per session, while independent practitioners can command $80-$150 for a 60-minute session. Some self-employed therapists achieve premium rates of $120-$200 for in-home appointments. Employment with franchise chains like Massage Envy might provide steady clients but generally offers lower hourly pay compared to self-employed practices, which enjoy the benefit of setting their own prices. For those seeking the best of both worlds, negotiating hourly wages while considering benefits, such as health insurance, can significantly impact overall satisfaction and stability in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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