Massage Therapists Salary in California
Massage Therapists in California earn a median annual wage of $45,970 —21.4% below the national median of $58,450. That ranks CA #45 of 50 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.26× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for massage therapists
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $134,930 | $64.87 | 570 | 2.78 |
| 2 | Washington | $87,360 | $42.00 | 3,740 | 1.66 |
| 3 | Oregon | $86,970 | $41.81 | 2,250 | 1.80 |
| 4 | Hawaii | $81,280 | $39.08 | 1,330 | 3.34 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $80,360 | $38.63 | 270 | 0.62 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $74,960 | $36.04 | 290 | 0.92 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $74,140 | $35.65 | 100 | 0.37 |
| 8 | Maine | $73,290 | $35.23 | 370 | 0.91 |
| 9 | Michigan | $70,960 | $34.11 | 2,410 | 0.86 |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $64,110 | $30.82 | 120 | 0.27 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $47,630 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $49,660 | $45,690 |
| Dental Assistants | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| Phlebotomists | $56,040 | $45,230 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $46,260 | $38,150 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do massage therapists make in California?
The median annual wage for massage therapists in California is $45,970, or $22.10 per hour. That is 21.4% below the national median of $58,450.
What is the entry-level massage therapists salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $34,320 per year ($16.50/hour). The 25th percentile is $35,170.
How many people work as massage therapists in California?
About 14,600 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.8 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for massage therapists?
California ranks #45 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.26x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays massage therapists the most?
Alaska has the highest median wage at $134,930 per year, followed by Washington ($87,360) and Oregon ($86,970).