Massage Therapist Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $52,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Hawthorne, CA earns a median $52,539/year (≈ $25.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Hawthorne's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $46,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, massage therapists can expect a median annual salary of $52,539 as of 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975. The pay range for this profession in the area spans from $30,473 at the 10th percentile to $81,435 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and they take into account local cost-of-living adjustments, which are reflected in the city's index of 113.1, above the national average. While the earning potential is clear, self-employed therapists may find that they can command higher rates, often clearing from $80 to $150 per session, but they shoulder additional burdens such as overhead and the need for effective marketing.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,473 | $14.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,286 | $19.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,539 | $25.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,250 | $32.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,435 | $39.15 |
Median Salary Position
15.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
In Hawthorne, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,962 (2026 est.). At $52,539, the local median is 15.23% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hawthorne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hawthorne Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Hawthorne median: $52,539/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hawthorne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,177 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -15.23% less |
Massage Therapists in Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $52,539 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.20% below the California state average of $53,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hawthorne has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hawthorne, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,539 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,454 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,301
2025 BLS Actual
$49,551
2026 Current Est.
$52,539
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,301 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,269 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawthorne metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,301 (2019) to $49,551 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,406 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,473 – $40,286 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,286 – $52,539 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,539 – $67,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,250 – $81,435 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Hawthorne
Local employment for massage therapists in Hawthorne is modest, with only 13 individuals currently employed in this field. Given the relatively high cost of living, the actual take-home pay may not stretch as far as one might hope. Spa settings, particularly larger franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, tend to offer lower pay compared to those in private practices, while tips can add another 15-25% to a therapist's earnings in those environments. The significant disparities in pay can often be attributed to employment structure—self-employed therapists typically earn more than those on hourly wages at chains. To maximize earnings, mastering specific modalities can draw specialized clients, and building a solid referral network is crucial in this competitive market. Understanding how much do massage therapists make in Hawthorne can help both new and experienced professionals make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Hawthorne, CA in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Hawthorne?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,551 for massage therapistsin the Hawthorne metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hawthorne 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