Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $41.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Auburn, WA runs $41.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,794 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Auburn, WA, can expect a median hourly rate of $41.25, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This advantageous compensation allows for varying work arrangements such as part-time positions or per-diem roles in settings like spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile service offerings. For therapists working three days a week, this hourly pay offers solid income opportunities, particularly as the hourly range stretches from $23.92 for entry-level positions to $63.94 for established professionals. This data suggests a robust environment for both novice and seasoned massage therapists in Auburn, with ample opportunities for side gigs or client-based work in private practice.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.92 | $191.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.75 | $245.99 |
| Median (P50) | $41.25 | $329.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.79 | $422.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.94 | $511.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $41.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.25/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $85,791 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,495. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,649.83 | $7,149 | $85,791 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $989.90 | $4,290 | $51,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $659.93 | $2,860 | $34,316 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Auburn) | $41.25 |
| 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 Auburn, WA earn a median of $85,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.43% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $86,836.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.25/hr = $51,475/year (purchasing power: $47,928).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,791/year (purchasing power: $79,880).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Auburn grew 36.5% from $28.50/hr (2019) to $38.90/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.73/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Exploring part-time earning potential, a massage therapist working 24 hours weekly can earn over $50,000 annually, providing a viable income while allowing flexibility. For those in per-diem positions, pay can widely vary; chain spas typically compensate between $25-$40 per session, while mid-tier establishments may offer $60-$100. Independent practitioners charging cash rates can command $80-$150 per session, particularly in high-end mobile settings. Employment type plays a significant role in the fee structure; therapists in franchises like Massage Envy generally earn less than their self-employed counterparts but benefit from steady booking. Negotiating hourly rates effectively, whether seeking stability with benefits at a hospital or maximizing earnings as an independent contractor, can lead to improved compensation outcomes in Auburn's dynamic massage therapy market.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Auburn?
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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