Massage Therapist Salary in Hawaii: $95,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Hawaii's 9 metropolitan areas, the average median massage therapist pay sits at $95,528/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9011. Because Hawaii sits at BEA RPP 119.3 (19% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $80,074 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kahului ($96,820), Honolulu ($74,199), Kaneohe ($69,292).
In Hawaii, the average median salary for massage therapists in 2026 is projected to be $95,529, significantly higher than the national median of $61,975, representing a difference of 54.1%. The highest paying city is Kahului, with an average salary of $102,658, while Hilo reports the lowest at $70,160, creating a salary gap of $32,498. This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as the local cost of living, demand for wellness services, and the concentration of tourism-related businesses in areas like Kahului. Massage therapists in Hawaii must meet state licensing requirements, which include completing an accredited program and passing a national certification exam. The scope of practice laws ensure that therapists can perform a range of services, which is critical in meeting local demand. The job market for massage therapists shows a strong outlook, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.03%, indicating an increasing need for these professionals across the state. Key cities such as Honolulu, Kaneohe, Mililani Town, and Kailua follow Kahului, with average salaries of $78,673, $73,470, $73,339, and $73,292 respectively. This information is essential for anyone considering a career in massage therapy in Hawaii, as it highlights both the potential financial rewards and the necessary steps to enter the field.
Hawaii Massage Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Hawaii: $33,018 (lowest entry-level) to $179,382 (highest top earner)
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii massage therapists earn 54.14% more than the national median (+$33,553/year difference).
Hawaii Massage Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Massage Therapist salaries in Hawaii range from $36,015 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $162,927 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $95,528. The Hawaii median is $33,553 above the US national median of $61,975. The average hourly rate is $45.93/hr. Approximately 450 massage therapists are employed across 9 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,450
2025 BLS Actual
$90,096
2026 Current Est.
$95,528
2019–2027 Growth
+73.3%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hawaii (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,136 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,256 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawaii metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 54.1% from $58,450 (2019) to $90,096 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,839 (73.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawaii 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Hawaii
Lowest Paying Cities in Hawaii
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hilo | $70,160 |
| Pearl City | $71,761 |
| Waipahu | $72,449 |
| East Honolulu | $72,478 |
| Kailua | $73,292 |
Best Value Cities for Massage Therapists in Hawaii
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Hawaii cities offer the most purchasing power for massage therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului | $102,658 | 109.393 | $93,843 |
| Honolulu | $78,673 | 119.3 | $65,946 |
| Kaneohe | $73,470 | 119.3 | $61,584 |
| Mililani Town | $73,339 | 119.3 | $61,474 |
| Kailua | $73,292 | 119.3 | $61,435 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,015 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $95,528 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $162,927 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Hawaii metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 9 Cities in Hawaii
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kahului | $102,658 |
| 2 | Honolulu | $78,673 |
| 3 | Kaneohe | $73,470 |
| 4 | Mililani Town | $73,339 |
| 5 | Kailua | $73,292 |
| 6 | East Honolulu | $72,478 |
| 7 | Waipahu | $72,449 |
| 8 | Pearl City | $71,761 |
| 9 | Hilo | $70,160 |
More Hawaii Salary Data
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced massage therapists.
Explore More Massage Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Hawaii in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for massage therapists in Hawaii?
How does Hawaii massage therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level massage therapist salary in Hawaii?
How many massage therapists are employed in Hawaii?
Which Hawaii city offers the best value for massage therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 massage therapist compensation across Hawaii. State averages are employment-weighted across 9 metro areas — larger metro areas with more massage therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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