Massage Therapist Salary in Redding, CA: $53,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Redding, CA earns a median $53,747/year (≈ $25.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Redding's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.7), that paycheck buys what $53,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source

For massage therapists in Redding, California, projected earnings for 2026 indicate a median annual salary of $53,747. This figure falls below the national median of $61,975, reflecting a notable 13.28% disparity. The salary range in this region spans from $36,389 at the 10th percentile to $92,766 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the income potential variability within the profession. While the average earnings may seem lower compared to broader national trends, local practitioners have the opportunity to build a clientele as self-employed professionals, which often allows for higher cash-pay rates. However, this path also requires managing overhead costs and marketing efforts while navigating a competitive landscape of spas and clinics in Redding.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,824 | $17.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,747 | $25.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,773 | $29.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,766 | $44.60 |
Median Salary Position
13.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redding
In Redding, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,377 (2026 est.). At $53,747, the local median is 13.28% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Redding: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redding Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Redding median: $53,747/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redding Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,162 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -13.28% less |
Massage Therapists in Redding, CA earn a median of $53,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.28% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.10% above the California state average of $53,162.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redding has a cost of living 0.68% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redding, CA has a cost-of-living index of 100.684 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,747 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,382 — a 0.68% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,510
2025 BLS Actual
$50,690
2026 Current Est.
$53,747
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,930 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redding metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 4.5% from $48,510 (2019) to $50,690 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,478 (17.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redding 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) | $36,389 – $36,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,824 – $53,747 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,747 – $61,773 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,773 – $92,766 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Redding
Looking deeper into the Redding job market, there are currently 40 massage therapists employed locally, indicating a modest level of competition in this field. With a cost of living index of 100.684, practitioners must be strategic about their earnings to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone traditionally offer more predictable schedules but typically provide lower pay than self-employed positions. In contrast, therapists who specialize in areas like sports or oncology can command premium rates, further widening the earnings gap. To maximize income, it’s advisable for Redding’s massage therapists to consider both franchise opportunities for client stability and self-employment for higher earning potential through direct payments. Tipping, often between 15-25% of the session fee, also plays a significant role in enhancing overall compensation.
More salary data for Redding, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Redding, CA in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Redding?
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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 $50,690 for massage therapistsin the Redding 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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