Norfolk vs Virginia Beach: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Norfolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,888▲ | $60,978 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.75▲ | $29.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,894 | $39,910▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,559 | $49,315▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,216 | $94,674▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,925 | $108,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 54 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Virginia Beach is $910 (1.49%). Norfolk's median is -0.14% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $60,031,Virginia Beach spans $68,453. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($62,260 effective) pays 3.82% more than Norfolk ($59,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,888/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,363)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,260)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Norfolk grew 17.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.7% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$49,626 (2024) → $58,368 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$37,180 (2019) → $57,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Virginia Beach as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Norfolk vs Virginia Beach?
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