Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,790▲ | $67,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.44▲ | $32.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,112▲ | $38,987 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,643▲ | $48,397 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,207▲ | $86,040 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,025 | $104,189▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winston-Salem.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $8,571 (12.75%). 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 Raleigh spans $57,913,Winston-Salem spans $65,202. Winston-Salem 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, Raleigh ($77,213 effective) pays 7.52% more than Winston-Salem ($71,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,189)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Raleigh grew 86.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.6% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$38,320 (2019) → $71,480 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$40,742 (2024) → $63,396 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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