Senior Massage Therapist Salary in Burbank, CA: $81,402 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of massage therapists working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,402/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9011. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $71,973 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, top-tier massage therapists can expect a significant salary range, with the potential to earn as much as $81,402 annually by 2026. This figure reflects the compensation for seasoned professionals who have honed their craft through extensive experience and specialized techniques. The gap between the median annual salary of $52,518 and the earnings at the 90th percentile showcases the experience premium in this market. Achieving top massage therapist salary in Burbank requires not only technical skills but also a solid reputation and the ability to attract a loyal clientele, often through advanced credentialing and specialized services.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced massage therapists at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $67,223 and $81,402 per year (2026 est.). This $50,942 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $52,518 sits 15.26% below the US median.
Top LMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $52,518 | $61,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,223 | $83,043 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,402 | $106,242 |
In Burbank, experienced massage therapists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Massage Therapist Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA massage therapists with additional specialty certifications within the massage therapy field earn significantly above the $52,518 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Massage Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the massage therapy field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,223–$81,402 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced massage therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured massage therapists in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Massage Therapists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Massage Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Massage Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Massage Therapist
5-10 yearsMassage Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #112 of 157 California cities for top earner massage therapist salary (90th percentile: $81,402).
Top 10% massage therapist compensation in Burbank ($81,402) is 11.46% below the California average P90 ($91,933).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,779
2025 BLS Actual
$76,773
2026 Current Est.
$81,402
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,779 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,402 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,311 | Projected |
Top-earning massage therapists (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 24.3% from $61,779 in 2019 to $76,773 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $86,311 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your Massage Therapist Earnings in Burbank
In terms of the skills that command high pay, advanced specializations such as deep tissue, prenatal, and oncology massage, along with lymphatic drainage and myofascial release, can significantly impact earning potential. Senior massage therapist pay in CA varies depending on the employer type; for instance, therapists working in high-end spas or innovative health clinics may earn more than those in franchise operations like Massage Envy. While self-employed therapists can substantially increase their income, often earning between $80 to $150 per session, they face the challenges of overhead and marketing. Leadership roles, such as becoming a lead therapist or spa supervisor, can also pave the way for better compensation and job security. Advanced certifications, including an LMT license and training from accredited programs, can further enhance a therapist’s marketability and ability to command competitive rates in Burbank's dynamic massage therapy environment.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced massage therapists make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher massage therapist pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost massage therapist salary in Burbank?
Can experienced massage therapists make six figures in Burbank?
How much does massage therapist salary increase over time in Burbank?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in California
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $76,773 for massage therapists in the Burbank metro area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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