Greensboro vs Wilmington: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Greensboro, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greensboro, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,064 | $86,298▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.24 | $41.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,258▲ | $22,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,319▲ | $32,678 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,793 | $94,611▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,611 | $128,551▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greensboro.
The salary gap between Greensboro and Wilmington is $19,234 (28.68%). Wilmington's median is +39.25% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $66,353,Wilmington spans $106,401. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($89,500 effective) pays 23.93% more than Greensboro ($72,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greensboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,298/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,551)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,500)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Greensboro grew 59.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 75.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Greensboro, NC
$39,570 (2019) → $63,250 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$46,330 (2019) → $81,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greensboro, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Greensboro or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Greensboro to Wilmington as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Greensboro vs Wilmington?
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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