Massage Therapist Salary in Houma, LA: $39,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Houma, LA earns a median $39,118/year (≈ $18.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Houma's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $43,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Houma, Louisiana, is $39,118, which reflects a significant difference when compared to the national average of $61,975. The salary range for local professionals varies considerably, from an entry-level position at around $24,642 to experienced therapists earning up to $60,632. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors. For those considering a career as a massage therapist in Houma, it's essential to recognize that while self-employment can lead to lucrative cash-pay opportunities, it requires effective marketing strategies and the management of overhead costs.
About the Houma Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,642 | $11.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,428 | $14.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,118 | $18.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,071 | $24.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,632 | $29.15 |
Median Salary Position
36.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houma
In Houma, LA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,990 (2026 est.). At $39,118, the local median is 36.88% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houma Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Houma median: $39,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $40,411 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -36.88% less |
Massage Therapists in Houma, LA earn a median of $39,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.88% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the Louisiana state average of $40,411.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houma has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houma, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $39,118 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,320 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,028
2025 BLS Actual
$36,893
2026 Current Est.
$39,118
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,532 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,476 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houma metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $27,028 (2019) to $36,893 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,476 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,448 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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) | $24,642 – $30,428 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,428 – $39,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,118 – $50,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,071 – $60,632 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Houma
In Houma, the local job market for massage therapists shows limited employment activity, with only six therapists in the area. The cost of living, represented by a CoL index of 90.3, suggests that while salaries might be lower than the national average, local purchasing power remains relatively stable. Among potential employers, chiropractic clinics and high-end spas typically offer the most competitive pay compared to franchise chains such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, where therapists may find compensation lower due to the structured pay-per-service model. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to the self-employed therapists’ ability to gain higher hourly rates and tips, potentially leading to a higher income. To maximize earnings in this specific market, therapists should consider specializing in niche areas such as oncology or sports massage, as these specialties command higher rates and demonstrate an understanding of diverse client needs.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
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 $36,893 for massage therapistsin the Houma 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 Houma 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