Massage Therapist Salary in Montebello, CA: $52,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Montebello, CA earns a median $52,686/year (≈ $25.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Montebello's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $46,584 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montebello, California, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $52,686, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975, reflecting a difference of about 14.99%. The salary range for local massage therapists spans from approximately $30,558 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent local estimates that have been adjusted for the area's cost of living, which is above the national average at a CoL index of 113.1. The competitive spirit in the Montebello job market not only influences salaries but also hints at the earnings potential tied to tip income, especially for therapists working in spa environments.
About the Montebello Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,558 | $14.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,576 | $19.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,686 | $25.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,438 | $32.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,664 | $39.26 |
Median Salary Position
14.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montebello
In Montebello, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,106 (2026 est.). At $52,686, the local median is 14.99% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montebello: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montebello Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Montebello median: $52,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montebello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,165 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -14.99% less |
Massage Therapists in Montebello, CA earn a median of $52,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.99% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the California state average of $53,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montebello has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montebello, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,686 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,584 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,402
2025 BLS Actual
$49,690
2026 Current Est.
$52,686
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,387 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,021 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montebello metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,402 (2019) to $49,690 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,461 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montebello 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) | $30,558 – $40,576 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,576 – $52,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,686 – $67,438 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,438 – $81,664 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Montebello
The local job market for massage therapists indicates that only 16 individuals are currently employed in this specific field, which may suggest limited opportunities for entry-level positions. Working in spas, particularly those aligned with well-known franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, often leads to lower hourly pay but can provide more stable bookings and supplementary tip income. A cost-of-living index at 113.1 emphasizes the financial pressure on licensed therapists, as take-home pay may not fully meet living expenses. The disparity in salaries is often driven by differences in employment structure, such as franchise roles versus self-employment, where therapists can significantly increase their earnings potential, particularly in high-end establishments or through direct client relationships. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Montebello, specializing in high-demand treatment areas and building a solid client base as a self-employed practitioner may yield the best financial results in this evolving market.
More salary data for Montebello, CA:
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
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 $49,690 for massage therapistsin the Montebello 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 Montebello 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