Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Olympia, WA: $39.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Olympia, WA runs $39.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Olympia's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.7, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Olympia, Washington, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $39.93, which is significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This elevated pay reflects the area's increased demand for skilled practitioners in settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile therapy services. For part-time and per-diem massage therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate provides a substantial income stream, enabling flexible schedules that cater to both clients and therapists. The range in hourly rates varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $18.22 and experienced professionals earning up to $57.89, illustrating the diverse earning potential available in Olympia's massage therapy market. These figures are grounded in official 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected forward to 2026.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.22 | $145.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.96 | $263.72 |
| Median (P50) | $39.93 | $319.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.96 | $367.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.89 | $463.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olympia
Based on $39.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.93/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olympia, WA can expect to earn approximately $83,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,917. With a cost-of-living index of 103.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Olympia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olympia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,597.24 | $6,921 | $83,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.34 | $4,153 | $49,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.89 | $2,769 | $33,223 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Olympia) | $39.93 |
| 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 Olympia, WA earn a median of $83,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.99% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 4.30% below the Washington state average of $86,774.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.93/hr = $49,834/year (purchasing power: $48,070).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,056/year (purchasing power: $80,116).
CoL index: 103.67 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Olympia grew 38.5% from $27.20/hr (2019) to $37.66/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.34/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 Olympia 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 Olympia
Regarding part-time earnings, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can take home a substantial income annually, even when compared to full-time counters. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Olympia can fluctuate widely based on the work environment; those filling in at chain spas may charge between $25 and $40 per session, while freelancers setting their rates can bill up to $150 per hour. Massage therapists in Olympia must weigh the trade-offs of reduced hourly rates offered by franchises, such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which provide steadier bookings against the higher wages of self-employment that come with increased overhead. When negotiating hourly rates, it is important to consider the benefits, including health insurance, offered by larger employers, while remaining aware of the flexible and lucrative self-employed options available in the Olympia area. Understanding these factors can guide therapists in making informed decisions about their careers in massage therapy.
More salary data for Olympia, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Olympia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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