California ranks 42nd of 50 states and D.C. for massage therapists pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($135,200) by $86,770 — a 179% gap.
Massage Therapists are more concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.36 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.36× the national share.
California employs roughly 15.9% of all massage therapists in the country (15,240 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,000 | $16.35 |
| 25th percentile | $35,440 | $17.04 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,430 | $23.28 |
| 75th percentile | $76,080 | $36.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,390 | $48.75 |
| Mean (average) | $60,070 | $28.88 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $48,430 | n/a |
| Alaska | $135,200 | +179% |
| Vermont | $105,490 | +118% |
| Oregon | $82,860 | +71% |
| Washington | $82,820 | +71% |
| Hawaii | $80,590 | +66% |
| Minnesota | $75,500 | +56% |
| North Dakota | $70,720 | +46% |
| Idaho | $70,470 | +46% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Agents | $48,540 | 5,780 |
| Orderlies | $48,550 | 5,140 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $48,720 | 103,090 |
| Medical Assistants | $48,050 | 110,350 |
| Dental Assistants | $48,910 | 54,580 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $47,940 | 4,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Massage Therapists salary in California?
The mean massage therapists salary in California is $60,070 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,430 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Massage Therapists in California?
Entry-level massage therapistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,440 per year.
What is the highest Massage Therapists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $101,390 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $76,080 per year.
How does the California Massage Therapists salary compare to the national average?
The median massage therapists salary in California is $48,430, which is -16% below national average of $57,950.