Massage Therapist Salary in Torrance, CA: $54,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Torrance, CA earns a median $54,086/year (≈ $26.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Torrance's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $47,821 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Torrance, California, can expect a median annual salary of $54,086 in 2026, which reflects a significant difference when compared to the national average of $61,975. Salary estimates for local massage therapist pay in Torrance CA range from a lower threshold of $31,370 to a high of $83,834, offering a wide spectrum of earning potential. The data presented here is derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrating the nuances of this local market. While massage therapists employed by franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone may experience lower pay rates within this range, many independent practitioners have the opportunity to capitalize on higher earnings through self-employment, especially in a community where demand for therapeutic services is growing.
About the Torrance Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,370 | $15.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,942 | $18.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,086 | $26.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,230 | $33.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,834 | $40.30 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Torrance
In Torrance, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,464 (2026 est.). At $54,086, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Torrance: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Torrance Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Torrance median: $54,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Torrance Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,182 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -12.73% less |
Massage Therapists in Torrance, CA earn a median of $54,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% above the California state average of $53,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Torrance has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Torrance, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,086 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,821 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,370
2025 BLS Actual
$51,010
2026 Current Est.
$54,086
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,513 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Torrance metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $37,370 (2019) to $51,010 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,977 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Torrance 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) | $31,370 – $38,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,942 – $54,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,086 – $69,230 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,230 – $83,834 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Torrance
In Torrance, the job market for massage therapists is relatively small but stable, with around 26 professionals currently employed in the area. Given a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of a massage therapist's salary reflects the higher living expenses in the region. Among different employment avenues, high-end spas and specialized practices often offer the most lucrative opportunities, while franchise chains provide steadier, yet lower pay. Variances in compensation can be attributed to several factors, including the differences in hourly rates versus pay-per-service for franchises, as well as potential tip income, which may contribute an additional 15-25% per session at spas. To maximize earnings, therapists in Torrance are advised to consider self-employment, pursue specialized training in high-demand areas, or develop a loyal client base to increase their direct-pay opportunities in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Torrance?
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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 $51,010 for massage therapistsin the Torrance 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 Torrance 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