Massage Therapist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $46,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Long Beach, CA earns a median $46,309/year (≈ $22.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $40,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, California, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $46,309. This figure sits considerably below the national median of $61,975, indicating a variance that highlights the regional economic dynamics. Local estimates suggest a salary range from $26,860 at the lower end (P10) to $71,778 at the upper extremes (P90). These projections are grounded in 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living considerations. With the expectation of a growing job market for massage therapy professionals, understanding these salary figures becomes crucial for those considering or currently in this rewarding career path.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,860 | $12.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,939 | $16.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,309 | $22.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,275 | $28.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,778 | $34.51 |
Median Salary Position
25.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,918 (2026 est.). At $46,309, the local median is 25.28% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $46,309/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,167 | -12.90% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -25.28% less |
Massage Therapists in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $46,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.28% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 12.90% below the California state average of $53,167.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,309 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,945 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,996
2025 BLS Actual
$43,675
2026 Current Est.
$46,309
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,996 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,329 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $31,996 (2019) to $43,675 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,105 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $26,860 – $34,939 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,939 – $46,309 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,309 – $59,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,275 – $71,778 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Long Beach
In Long Beach, there are currently 89 massage therapists in the field, reflecting a robust local job market amidst a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which indicates higher living expenses compared to national averages. This scenario often translates to varied take-home pay across different employment situations. Spa employment typically offers lower base pay—especially in franchise settings like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone—yet many therapists supplement their earnings with tips, often adding 15-25% to session fees. Self-employed practitioners, on the other hand, can charge much higher rates, sometimes earning $80-$150 per hour but facing the challenge of self-marketing and overhead costs. Specialty fields such as sports therapy or oncology also command premium rates. For therapists in Long Beach, aligning with high-end spas or developing a strong self-employed practice can significantly boost earning potential in an increasingly competitive market.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Long Beach, CA in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Long Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Long Beach?
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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 $43,675 for massage therapistsin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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