Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Williamsburg, VA: $29.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Williamsburg, VA runs $29.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Williamsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williamsburg, Virginia, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $29.12 for 2026, which slightly lags behind the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate allows part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. For typical work scenarios, therapists can find positions in various settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, sports medicine practices, and mobile in-home arrangements. The hourly pay spans a range, from $17.07 for entry-level positions to $45.14 for top earners, indicating the potential for significant income growth as therapists gain experience and clientele. It's important to keep in mind that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data.
About the Williamsburg 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) | $17.07 | $136.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.57 | $172.53 |
| Median (P50) | $29.12 | $232.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.00 | $296.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.14 | $361.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Williamsburg
Based on $29.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.12/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Williamsburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $60,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,939. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Williamsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Williamsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,164.63 | $5,047 | $60,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.78 | $3,028 | $36,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.85 | $2,019 | $24,224 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Williamsburg) | $29.12 |
| 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 Williamsburg, VA earn a median of $60,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.28% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $63,954.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.12/hr = $36,337/year (purchasing power: $35,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,561/year (purchasing power: $58,683).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Williamsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Williamsburg grew 36.5% from $20.12/hr (2019) to $27.46/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.87/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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg
For those looking at a part-time schedule, a massage therapist working 24 hours weekly can expect an annual take-home that is both viable and manageable compared to full-time positions. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Williamsburg also varies depending on the setting; for example, therapists working at chain spas might earn between $25 and $40 per session, while independent practitioners can charge anywhere from $80 to $150 per hour for cash-pay sessions. Different environments such as franchises like Massage Envy or self-employed practices further influence earning potential; franchise employment offers steadier work but typically comes with lower rates, whereas self-employed therapists deal with fluctuations in bookings and overhead costs but can achieve higher earnings. Those negotiating their pay should consider the balance between hourly rates and benefits, such as health insurance, as opting for higher hourly compensation often means forfeiting such perks. Understanding the landscape of massage therapist hourly rate dynamics in Williamsburg helps professionals navigate their career paths more effectively.
More salary data for Williamsburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Williamsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Williamsburg?
Are massage therapists in Williamsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Williamsburg?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Williamsburg?
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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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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