Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Reston, VA: $30.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Reston, VA runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,545 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Reston's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Massage therapists in Reston, Virginia, can expect an hourly median pay of $30.07, slightly outpacing the national median of $29.80. This rate provides a solid earning potential for both part-time therapists working in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical 24-hour week spread over three days, this hourly rate offers a reliable income stream, making it feasible for professionals to maintain a balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level therapists can start at approximately $18.04 per hour, while top earners might reach as high as $46.61 per hour, reflecting the spectrum of experience and practice types available in the Reston area.
About the Reston 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) | $18.04 | $144.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.69 | $181.52 |
| Median (P50) | $30.07 | $240.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.49 | $307.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.61 | $372.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reston
Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.07/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reston, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,546 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,084. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.80 | $5,212 | $62,546 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.68 | $3,127 | $37,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.12 | $2,085 | $25,018 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Reston) | $30.07 |
| 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 Reston, VA earn a median of $62,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $63,952.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,527/year (purchasing power: $36,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,546/year (purchasing power: $60,606).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Reston grew 36.5% from $20.78/hr (2019) to $28.36/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.88/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 Reston 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 Reston
Part-time massage therapists can bring home significantly varying annual incomes depending on their work schedule. For instance, a therapist working three days a week at the median hourly rate may earn close to $37,600 annually, a solid income while maintaining flexibility. Conversely, per-diem massage therapists often bill clients at different rates, ranging from $25 to $100 per session, depending on the employer type, enhancing their overall earning potential. In Reston, franchised spas may offer lower pay compared to independent practices where solo therapists can command rates between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session, without the constraints of corporate structures. Understanding these dynamics helps massage therapists—whether self-employed or working within a franchise—to navigate compensation effectively, allowing for informed career decisions in the face of the growing industry and competitive market conditions in VA.
More salary data for Reston, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Reston in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Reston?
Are massage therapists in Reston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Reston?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Reston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Reston. 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 Reston 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