Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Staunton, VA: $29.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Staunton, VA runs $29.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Staunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,786 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for massage therapists in Staunton, Virginia, is projected to be $29.48, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate presents a viable opportunity for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists working in various environments, including spas, chiropractic clinics, sports team facilities, and even mobile or in-home settings. For those operating on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, the flexible schedule can appeal to many. The hourly range for massage therapists in Staunton varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $18.26 and experienced therapists earning up to $45.70. These figures reflect the estimated data derived from annual salaries, indicating a market that offers diverse earning potential depending on experience, specialization, and practice settings.
About the Staunton 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) | $18.26 | $146.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.61 | $180.84 |
| Median (P50) | $29.48 | $235.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.74 | $301.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.70 | $365.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Staunton
Based on $29.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.48/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Staunton, VA can expect to earn approximately $61,311 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,372. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Staunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Staunton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.05 | $5,109 | $61,311 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.43 | $3,066 | $36,786 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.62 | $2,044 | $24,524 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Staunton) | $29.48 |
| 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 Staunton, VA earn a median of $61,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $63,943.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.48/hr = $36,786/year (purchasing power: $35,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,311/year (purchasing power: $59,410).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Staunton grew 36.5% from $20.37/hr (2019) to $27.80/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.25/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 Staunton 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 Staunton
Exploring the earnings landscape further reveals intriguing insights into part-time opportunities and the realities of per-diem work in Staunton. A therapist working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to earn around $36,000 annually, which is competitive but less than a full-time equivalent. Per-diem massage therapists often bill different rates, reflecting employer type and expertise; those at larger chains like Massage Envy might charge $25-$40 per session, whereas mid-tier independent therapists can see rates between $60-$100. For self-employed therapists, the pay range is even broader, with cash-pay sessions costing clients anywhere from $80-$150 per 60-minute treatment, and mobile services commanding premiums of $120-$200. It’s vital for therapists to weigh their hourly rates against benefits; many might accept lower pay at a franchise for health insurance, while others may seek higher hourly rates without additional perks. Negotiating an hourly rate in Staunton can hinge on specialized skills, certification, and an understanding of the market dynamics, which can significantly impact one's earning potential in the massage therapy profession.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Staunton in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Staunton?
Are massage therapists in Staunton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Staunton?
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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 Staunton. 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 Staunton 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