Massage Therapist Salary in Hilo, HI: $70,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Hilo, HI earns a median $70,160/year (≈ $33.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $58,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the expected compensation for massage therapists is promising, with a median annual salary projected at $70,160 for 2026. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $61,975 but also reflects a vibrant market for massage therapy in the area, specifically enhanced by the potential for tips at local spas. With the salary range extending from $42,272 at the 10th percentile to $108,749 at the 90th percentile, massage therapists can find a variety of opportunities that cater to differing client needs and massage specialties. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for Hilo's specific cost of living, indicate a robust local demand for therapeutic services.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,272 | $20.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,933 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,160 | $33.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,805 | $43.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,749 | $52.28 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,477 (2026 est.). At $70,160, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Hilo median: $70,160/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $73,931 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +13.21% more |
Massage Therapists in Hilo, HI earn a median of $70,160 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $73,931.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,160 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,810 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,476
2025 BLS Actual
$66,170
2026 Current Est.
$70,160
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,381 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,391 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $48,476 (2019) to $66,170 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,915 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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) | $42,272 – $52,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,933 – $70,160 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,160 – $89,805 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,805 – $108,749 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Hilo
Given that there are currently only seven employed massage therapists in Hilo, this localized job market offers both challenges and opportunities. The high cost of living in the area, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 119.3, means that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in more affordable places. Spas tend to be the primary employers, but pay varies significantly—those who run self-employed practices have the potential to earn considerably more, as cash-pay sessions can command rates between $80 and $150, although these therapists must manage their own marketing and overhead costs. Franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone typically offer lower wages, but may provide a steadier flow of clients. To maximize income, therapists in Hilo should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as sports or prenatal massage, as these services often command premium pricing and can enhance overall earnings through tips.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 $66,170 for massage therapistsin the Hilo 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 Hilo 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