Durham vs Raleigh: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,859 | $75,790▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.18 | $36.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,251 | $43,112▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,210 | $62,643▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,410▲ | $91,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,157▲ | $101,025 |
| Total Employed | 130 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durham.
The salary gap between Durham and Raleigh is $10,931 (16.85%). Raleigh's median is +22.29% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $69,906,Raleigh spans $57,913. Durham 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, Raleigh ($77,213 effective) pays 16.16% more than Durham ($66,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,157)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,790/year)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,213)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Durham grew 53.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 86.5% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Durham, NC
$39,830 (2019) → $61,170 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$38,320 (2019) → $71,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Durham or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Durham to Raleigh as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Durham vs Raleigh?
Related Comparisons
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