Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Burien, WA runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,832 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Burien, WA, earn a median hourly rate of $41.53, which reflects a notable premium over the national median of $29.80. This higher pay can be particularly attractive for part-time therapists who may work three days a week. In typical settings such as spas, clinics, and mobile practices, this hourly rate allows for a meaningful income, even when working fewer hours. Entry-level therapists might earn around $24.86 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $64.38 per hour. This range highlights the potential for significant financial reward in this profession, depending on experience and choice of workplace.
About the Burien 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) | $24.86 | $198.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.31 | $250.49 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.16 | $425.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.38 | $515.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $86,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,838. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.28 | $7,199 | $86,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.77 | $4,319 | $51,832 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.51 | $2,880 | $34,555 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Burien) | $41.53 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $86,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.40% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $86,826.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,832/year (purchasing power: $48,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,386/year (purchasing power: $80,434).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Burien grew 36.5% from $28.70/hr (2019) to $39.17/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.04/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 Burien 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 Burien
For those considering a part-time schedule, a therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $51,717 annually, which still represents a solid income compared to full-time earners. Per diem massage therapist pay in Burien often varies: those working in chains might charge clients $25-$40 per session, while independent therapists can bill up to $150 for a 60-minute session. Different employer types also influence hourly pay; spas tend to offer lower rates compared to private practice, which often yields higher income due to lower overhead costs. Some therapists may accept lower-paying positions in exchange for benefits like health insurance, weighing this against the higher hourly rates available in self-employed roles. Negotiating effectively for hourly rates is key in this market, especially for those eyeing options like mobile therapy or agency work, both of which provide flexibility in scheduling and income potential.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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