Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $41.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kent, WA runs $41.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at an impressive $41.66, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This elevated pay reflects the demand for skilled practitioners in various settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports team training rooms, and both in-home and mobile practices. For those considering part-time work—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a solid income that could be appealing in today's market. The hourly range for massage therapists in Kent varies, with entry-level positions starting around $24.52 and top earners reaching up to $64.56, suggesting ample opportunity for growth and specialization within the field. Each of these figures points to a robust market for massage therapy professionals in the region, estimated from annual salary data according to 2025 BLS figures projected to 2026.
About the Kent 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) | $24.52 | $196.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.15 | $249.21 |
| Median (P50) | $41.66 | $333.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.32 | $426.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.56 | $516.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $41.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.66/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $86,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,991. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,666.37 | $7,221 | $86,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.82 | $4,333 | $51,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.55 | $2,888 | $34,660 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kent) | $41.66 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $86,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.80% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $86,817.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.66/hr = $51,991/year (purchasing power: $48,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,651/year (purchasing power: $80,681).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kent grew 36.5% from $28.78/hr (2019) to $39.29/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.17/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 Kent 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 Kent
Looking at the practical earning potential for part-time professionals, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home that is quite favorable compared to a full-time schedule. Depending on their work setting, per-diem or agency therapists often charge between $25 to $100 per session in chain establishments, while independent practitioners might earn $80 to $200 per 60-minute session, especially in mobile setups. Variability in hourly rates is notable across employment types in Kent, with franchise chains such as Massage Envy typically offering lower pay compared to self-employed therapists who bear more overhead but retain higher earnings. Many therapists face the trade-off of accepting lower hourly rates with benefits versus opting for higher pay without those perks. For those entering the field, it's advisable to negotiate wages based on experience and setting, considering competitive rates to ensure a balanced financial outcome in terms of both hourly pay and job benefits.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Kent?
Are massage therapists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Kent?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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