Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $39.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Ellensburg, WA runs $39.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,799 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,675 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ellensburg, Washington, the massage therapist hourly pay is estimated at $39.80 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $29.80 per hour. This competitive pay can greatly benefit part-time professionals working just three days a week, allowing them to earn a respectable income through flexible scheduling at various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and even mobile in-home services. For newer therapists or those entering the field, hourly rates can range from $23.84, ramping up to $61.70 for the most experienced practitioners. Different work environments can influence earnings, and these figures reflect a broad spectrum of opportunities available in the local market.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $23.84 | $190.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.85 | $238.78 |
| Median (P50) | $39.80 | $318.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.70 | $493.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $39.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.80/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,764. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,592.15 | $6,899 | $82,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.29 | $4,140 | $49,675 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.86 | $2,760 | $33,117 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Ellensburg) | $39.80 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $82,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.60% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $86,791.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.80/hr = $49,675/year (purchasing power: $46,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,792/year (purchasing power: $77,087).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Ellensburg grew 36.5% from $27.50/hr (2019) to $37.54/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.20/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
The earnings potential for massage therapists working part-time in Ellensburg is notable. A therapist putting in 24 hours a week could expect a yearly income that aligns well with a substantial full-time salary, depending on hours worked and location. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Ellensburg can vary widely, ranging from $25 to $100 per session depending on whether they work for a franchise or operate independently. For self-employed therapists, hourly pay can spike to between $80 and $150 for a 60-minute session, with mobile in-home providers often charging even more. However, while chain spas usually offer steady clientele and regular bookings, they seldom compare to the higher wages available for self-employed practitioners who must manage their own overhead and marketing. Approaching negotiations with insight about industry standards and employer offerings can help local therapists maximize their potential in this thriving market.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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