Personal Care & Fitness Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Massage Therapist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median massage therapist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $72,796 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$72,796
vs State Avg
+$3,989
vs National
+$22,936
Cost of Living
146%

Massage Therapist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median massage therapist salary of $72,796, which is $3,989 above the California state average of $68,807. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $72,796 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,860. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for massage therapists in Los Angeles spans from $40,880 at the 10th percentile to $128,480 at the 90th percentile — a $87,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,800, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,720. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Massage Therapist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $43,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,800
+$13,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,460
+$23,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,720
+$37,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $40,880
25th Percentile $52,560
Median (50th) $72,796
75th Percentile $99,280
90th Percentile $128,480

Massage Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$90,745
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$83,765
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$70,801
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$58,835
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Los Angeles

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open massage therapist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Los Angeles, California is $72,796 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $40,880 (10th percentile) to $128,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,796, a massage therapist in Los Angeles earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median massage therapist salary of $72,796 is 5.8% above the California state average of $68,807. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $72,796 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in Los Angeles require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Massage Techniques, Anatomy, Client Assessment, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.