Ashburn vs Charlottesville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Ashburn, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashburn, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,616▲ | $61,975 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.10▲ | $29.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,404 | $39,655▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,328 | $55,030▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,148 | $99,244▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,055 | $138,708▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Ashburn and Charlottesville are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ashburn and Charlottesville is $641 (1.03%). Ashburn's median is +1.03% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashburn spans $59,651,Charlottesville spans $99,053. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($62,509 effective) pays 3.02% more than Ashburn ($60,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,616/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,708)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,509)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Ashburn grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Ashburn, VA
$46,477 (2024) → $59,055 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$44,630 (2019) → $58,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashburn, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Ashburn or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashburn and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Ashburn to Charlottesville as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Ashburn vs Charlottesville?
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