Charlottesville vs Waynesboro: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,975▲ | $60,762 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.79▲ | $29.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,655▲ | $35,891 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,030▲ | $45,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,244▲ | $77,407 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,708▲ | $94,180 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Waynesboro is $1,213 (2.00%). Charlottesville's median is +0.00% 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,Waynesboro spans $58,289. 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 6.17% more than Waynesboro ($58,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,975/year)
- ✓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 Waynesboro if…
- ✓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 Waynesboro over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$44,630 (2019) → $58,450 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$45,100 (2024) → $57,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Charlottesville or Waynesboro?
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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