Aiken vs Charleston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,774 | $65,887▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.18 | $31.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,201▲ | $20,103 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,902▲ | $34,439 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,351 | $83,955▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,299 | $105,404▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $3,113 (4.96%). Charleston's median is +6.31% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $60,098,Charleston spans $85,301. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($68,605 effective) pays 5.13% more than Charleston ($65,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,605)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,404)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Aiken grew 55.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 116.8% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$38,108 (2024) → $59,204 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$28,660 (2019) → $62,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov