Massage Therapist Salary in Hempstead, NY: $65,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Hempstead, NY earns a median $65,732/year (≈ $31.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Hempstead's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $56,714 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hempstead, New York, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $65,732, reflecting a competitive pay structure compared to the national median of $61,975. The salary range spans from $38,125 at the lower end (P10) to $101,885 at the high end (P90), indicating a diverse market for professionals in this field. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for self-employed massage therapists to earn significantly more, especially if they effectively manage their overhead and marketing efforts. However, those in traditional employment settings or franchise chains may experience wage limitations yet benefit from more consistent client bookings, creating a trade-off between earnings and stability within Hempstead's job market.
About the Hempstead Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,125 | $18.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,604 | $23.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,732 | $31.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,137 | $40.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,885 | $48.99 |
Median Salary Position
6.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hempstead
In Hempstead, NY, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,760 (2026 est.). At $65,732, the local median is 6.06% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hempstead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hempstead Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Hempstead median: $65,732/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hempstead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $68,116 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +6.06% more |
Massage Therapists in Hempstead, NY earn a median of $65,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.06% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.50% below the New York state average of $68,116.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hempstead has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hempstead, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,732 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,714 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,416
2025 BLS Actual
$61,994
2026 Current Est.
$65,732
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hempstead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,416 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,883 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,664 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,994 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,696 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hempstead metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $45,416 (2019) to $61,994 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,696 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,280 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hempstead 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) | $38,125 – $48,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,604 – $65,732 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,732 – $84,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,137 – $101,885 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Hempstead
The local workforce comprises only nine employed massage therapists, suggesting a niche market that might afford opportunities for growth. However, prospective therapists must consider the cost of living index in Hempstead, which stands at 115.9, indicating higher-than-average living expenses that could impact overall purchasing power. Spas and franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often pay lower rates compared to independent practitioners, who may tap into tip income—typically 15-25% of session fees—as well as specialized practices such as oncology or sports massage for increased pay. To maximize earnings in this environment, therapists should focus on building a strong personal brand, diversifying services, and exploring mobile or in-home practice options that cater to local demand.
More salary data for Hempstead, NY:
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 $61,994 for massage therapistsin the Hempstead 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 Hempstead 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