Personal Care & Fitness Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Massage Therapist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median massage therapist salary in Lafayette, LA is $43,877 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$43,877
vs State Avg
$-1,496
vs National
$-5,983
Cost of Living
88%

Massage Therapist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median massage therapist salary of $43,877, which is $1,496 below the Louisiana state average of $45,373. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,877 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for massage therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for massage therapists in Lafayette spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $77,440 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Massage Therapist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $31,680
Median (50th) $43,877
75th Percentile $59,840
90th Percentile $77,440

Massage Therapist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$48,863
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$45,871
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$42,880
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$42,381
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Lafayette

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open massage therapist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $43,877 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,877, a massage therapist in Lafayette earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median massage therapist salary of $43,877 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $45,373. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $43,877 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Lafayette? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in Lafayette 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.