Charleston vs Myrtle Beach: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Charleston, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,887▲ | $41,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.68▲ | $20.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $20,103▲ | $16,159 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,439▲ | $18,386 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,955▲ | $65,516 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,404▲ | $100,368 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Myrtle Beach.
The salary gap between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is $24,154 (57.88%). 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 Charleston spans $85,301,Myrtle Beach spans $84,209. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($65,259 effective) pays 46.43% more than Myrtle Beach ($44,567 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,404)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,259)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Charleston grew 116.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$28,660 (2019) → $62,140 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$34,990 (2020) → $39,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Charleston or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Myrtle Beach as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Charleston vs Myrtle Beach?
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