Charlottesville vs Salem: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,975 | $62,012▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.79 | $29.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,655▲ | $35,966 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,030▲ | $48,406 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,244▲ | $79,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,708▲ | $96,118 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlottesville and Salem are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Salem is $37 (0.06%). Salem's median is +0.06% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $99,053,Salem spans $60,152. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($62,509 effective) pays 4.03% more than Salem ($60,089 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,012/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Charlottesville grew 31.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Salem over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$44,630 (2019) → $58,450 (2025)
Salem, VA
$46,028 (2024) → $58,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Charlottesville or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Salem?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Salem as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Charlottesville vs Salem?
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