As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Massage Therapist in California is $52,656 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a Certified Massage Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Massage Therapist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $59,315 | $4,943 | $1,141 | $29 |
| Average | $52,656 | $4,388 | $1,013 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,092 | $3,508 | $809 | $20 |
US Cancer Management Corporation - Rohnert Park, CA
Confidential - Merced, CA
Select Physical Therapy - Burlingame, CA
Sierra Pacific Orthopedics - Fresno, CA
A Certified Massage Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Massage Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Certified... Level Certified Massage Therapist | $54,857 |
| Fitness I... Level Certified Massage Therapist | $45,905 |
| Fitness I... Level Certified Massage Therapist | $55,994 |
| Personal ... Level Certified Massage Therapist | $74,555 |
| Fitness C... Level Certified Massage Therapist | $76,443 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Certified Massage Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Certified Massage Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $59,315 | $4,943 | $1,141 | $29 |
| Average | $52,656 | $4,388 | $1,013 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,092 | $3,508 | $809 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Massage Therapist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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