Burlington vs Charlotte: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Burlington, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,545▲ | $62,483 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.55▲ | $30.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,032▲ | $34,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,085▲ | $34,714 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,338 | $91,525▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,494 | $102,520▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Burlington and Charlotte are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burlington and Charlotte is $1,062 (1.70%). Burlington's median is +2.53% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $60,462,Charlotte spans $67,806. Charlotte 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, Burlington ($67,890 effective) pays 5.77% more than Charlotte ($64,185 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,545/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,890)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,520)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Burlington grew 55.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$38,516 (2024) → $59,931 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$44,110 (2019) → $58,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Burlington or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Charlotte as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Burlington vs Charlotte?
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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