Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Parkersburg, WV: $24.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Parkersburg, WV runs $24.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Parkersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Parkersburg, West Virginia, the projected median hourly rate for massage therapists is $24.99, which is notably below the national average of $29.80. This difference creates an interesting dynamic for both part-time and per-diem workers in the area. For those working 24 hours a week, this hourly rate translates to a more modest income, particularly relevant in settings like chiropractic clinics, spas, or mobile practices. Hourly wages for massage therapists in Parkersburg can range from $15.82 for entry-level positions to $38.73 for the most experienced therapists, indicating a significant variance based on skills and location. Additionally, these figures are reflective of estimates derived from broader annual salary data, highlighting Parkersburg's unique market conditions.
About the Parkersburg Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.82 | $126.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.50 | $155.99 |
| Median (P50) | $24.99 | $199.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.98 | $255.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.73 | $309.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parkersburg
Based on $24.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.99/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parkersburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $51,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,990. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parkersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parkersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $999.65 | $4,332 | $51,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.79 | $2,599 | $31,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.86 | $1,733 | $20,793 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Parkersburg) | $24.99 |
| 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 Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $51,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the West Virginia state average of $53,580.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.99/hr = $31,189/year (purchasing power: $36,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,982/year (purchasing power: $60,095).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Parkersburg grew 36.5% from $17.27/hr (2019) to $23.57/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.50/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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
When considering the earning potential, part-time massage therapists with a schedule of three days a week might take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. While some may find agency or per-diem work appealing, rates can vary widely based on the employer. For instance, per diem massage therapist pay in Parkersburg typically ranges from $25-$40 per session in chain settings, while independent therapists may charge $60-$100, or even more in cash-pay models that can reach $150 for 60-minute sessions. The venue also plays a role; therapists in resort spas or luxury hotel settings might see better compensation compared to those in franchise chains. Additionally, many therapists weigh the benefits of salary jobs—such as health insurance and consistent bookings—against the allure of higher hourly income in private practice. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for new or existing massage therapists navigating their career paths in Parkersburg.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Parkersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Parkersburg?
Are massage therapists in Parkersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Parkersburg?
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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 Parkersburg. 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 Parkersburg 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