Massage Therapist Salary in San Buenaventura, CA: $53,703 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in San Buenaventura, CA earns a median $53,703/year (≈ $25.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in San Buenaventura's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $47,483 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a massage therapist in San Buenaventura can expect a median annual salary of $53,703, which is significantly lower than the national median of $61,975. This city offers a salary range spanning from $32,381 at the lower 10th percentile to $83,240 at the upper 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, with adjustments for local cost factors. While the potential for earnings as a self-employed practitioner can be lucrative, often allowing for higher hourly rates, therapists must also consider the overhead and marketing responsibilities that accompany independent practice. This balance between steady employment at lower rates, such as those found at franchise chains like Massage Envy, and the higher earning potential of self-employment is a defining aspect of the job market in San Buenaventura.
About the San Buenaventura Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,381 | $15.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,896 | $19.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,703 | $25.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,740 | $33.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,240 | $40.02 |
Median Salary Position
13.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Buenaventura
In San Buenaventura, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,859 (2026 est.). At $53,703, the local median is 13.35% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Buenaventura: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Buenaventura Massage Therapist Pay Compares
San Buenaventura median: $53,703/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Buenaventura Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,171 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -13.35% less |
Massage Therapists in San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $53,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.35% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.00% above the California state average of $53,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Buenaventura has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Buenaventura, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $53,703 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,483 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,105
2025 BLS Actual
$50,649
2026 Current Est.
$53,703
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,105 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,798 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,928 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,251 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,649 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Buenaventura metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $37,105 (2019) to $50,649 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,836 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Buenaventura 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) | $32,381 – $40,896 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,896 – $53,703 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,703 – $68,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,740 – $83,240 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in San Buenaventura
Currently, there are 19 massage therapists employed in San Buenaventura, supporting a competitive local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the city is above the national average, meaning that the purchasing power for massage therapist pay in San Buenaventura, CA, is somewhat diminished relative to salaries. Among various employment options, spas—including resort and day spas—tend to offer some of the highest pay per hour, although therapists in independent practices or specialized fields may significantly enhance their earnings. Factors impacting salary variance include the ability to cultivate a loyal clientele, the potential for tips that can augment service fees, and specialty certifications that command premium rates. For those entering the field or looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on marketing, building a strong reputation, and possibly pursuing niche areas such as sports or prenatal massage can provide a pathway to improved financial success in this evolving market.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in San Buenaventura, CA in 2026?
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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 $50,649 for massage therapistsin the San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura 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