Apex vs Greensboro: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Apex, NC and Greensboro, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Greensboro, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,296 | $67,064▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.40 | $32.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,872▲ | $31,258 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,118 | $54,319▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,579 | $87,793▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,210▲ | $97,611 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apex.
The salary gap between Apex and Greensboro is $1,768 (2.71%). Greensboro's median is +8.21% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $63,338,Greensboro spans $66,353. Greensboro 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, Greensboro ($72,217 effective) pays 3.52% more than Apex ($69,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,210)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,064/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,217)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Apex grew 55.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 59.8% growth in Greensboro over the same period.
Apex, NC
$39,577 (2024) → $61,583 (2025)
Greensboro, NC
$39,570 (2019) → $63,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greensboro, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Apex or Greensboro?
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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