Massage Therapist Salary in Sacramento, CA: $55,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Sacramento, CA earns a median $55,114/year (≈ $26.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $51,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sacramento, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $55,114, a figure that is notably lower than the national median of $61,975. The salary spectrum ranges from $36,633 at the lower end to a high of $94,907 for top earners, reflecting the diverse earning potential in this field. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys, paints a vivid picture of the local market. Franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay compared to self-employed practitioners who have the opportunity to maximize their earnings significantly. The competitive landscape in Sacramento suggests that while franchise work provides consistent client flow, independent therapists can command higher fees, particularly in niche markets.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,633 | $17.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,945 | $18.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,114 | $26.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,958 | $32.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,907 | $45.64 |
Median Salary Position
11.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,274 (2026 est.). At $55,114, the local median is 11.07% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sacramento: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sacramento Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $55,114/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,199 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -11.07% less |
Massage Therapists in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $55,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.60% above the California state average of $53,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,114 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,668 — a 6.25% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,850
2025 BLS Actual
$51,980
2026 Current Est.
$55,114
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,438 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 45.0% from $35,850 (2019) to $51,980 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,438 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,588 (63.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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) | $36,633 – $38,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,945 – $55,114 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,114 – $66,958 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,958 – $94,907 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Sacramento
The job market for massage therapy in Sacramento is robust, with approximately 720 professionals employed in this field. However, the cost of living index currently sits at 106.67, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay for many therapists. Spas, chiropractic offices, and integrative medicine programs tend to offer the most competitive salaries, while those working in franchises might find their pay rates are lower. The wide pay gap can be attributed to various factors, including the significant differences in earnings for self-employed therapists versus those in salaried positions. Strategies for maximizing pay include specializing in high-demand areas such as sports or oncology therapy, building a strong client base for tip income, and leveraging social media for self-promotion. Understanding the unique compensation structures across different employment types can help aspiring therapists better navigate their career paths in the Sacramento, CA market.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 $51,980 for massage therapistsin the Sacramento 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, 7-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