Greenville vs Summerville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Greenville, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,668 | $61,983▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.84 | $29.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $19,319 | $37,288▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,778 | $46,855▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,281 | $79,338▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,280▲ | $96,074 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Greenville and Summerville are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Greenville and Summerville is $10,315 (19.96%). Summerville's median is +0.01% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $81,961,Summerville spans $58,786. Greenville 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, Summerville ($67,741 effective) pays 22.27% more than Greenville ($55,402 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,280)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,983/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,741)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Greenville grew 5.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$46,110 (2019) → $48,730 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$37,627 (2024) → $58,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Greenville or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and Summerville?
Should I relocate from Greenville to Summerville as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Greenville vs Summerville?
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