Massage Therapist Salary in Pomona, CA: $54,967 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Pomona, CA earns a median $54,967/year (≈ $26.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Pomona's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,600 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pomona, California, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $54,967, which falls below the national median of $61,975. The salary range spans from $31,881 at the 10th percentile to $85,199 at the 90th percentile, highlighting notable income variations among local therapists. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional adjustments, reflect a market where therapists may find employment opportunities in both franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, as well as in independent practices. Although franchise positions generally offer more stable hours, they may pay less compared to self-employed or independent therapists who can set their rates and potentially earn significantly more per session.
About the Pomona Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,881 | $15.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,128 | $19.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,967 | $26.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,357 | $33.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,199 | $40.96 |
Median Salary Position
11.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pomona
In Pomona, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,318 (2026 est.). At $54,967, the local median is 11.31% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pomona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pomona Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Pomona median: $54,967/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pomona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,160 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -11.31% less |
Massage Therapists in Pomona, CA earn a median of $54,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.31% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.40% above the California state average of $53,160.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pomona has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pomona, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,967 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,600 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,978
2025 BLS Actual
$51,841
2026 Current Est.
$54,967
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,222 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,967 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,282 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pomona metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $37,978 (2019) to $51,841 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,282 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,304 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pomona 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) | $31,881 – $40,128 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,128 – $54,967 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,967 – $70,357 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,357 – $85,199 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Pomona
Currently employing 36 massage therapists, the local job market demonstrates a moderate demand for wellness services amidst a cost of living index of 113.1, indicating that expenses are relatively high compared to the national average. In Pomona, therapists working in high-end spas or specialty clinics tend to earn more, particularly if they focus on niche areas such as sports or prenatal massage. The stark difference in pay can also be attributed to factors such as the commission-based structure in franchise settings versus the potential for higher earning through tips in private practices. For those seeking to optimize their income, building a strong referral network and investing in marketing can be valuable strategies. Understanding how to retain clients, alongside mastering various modalities, can lead to increased earnings in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Pomona, CA in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Pomona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Pomona?
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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 $51,841 for massage therapistsin the Pomona 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 Pomona 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