Richmond vs Waynesboro: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Richmond, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,211▲ | $60,762 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.42▲ | $29.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,115▲ | $35,891 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,118▲ | $45,245 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,367▲ | $77,407 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,874▲ | $94,180 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Richmond and Waynesboro is $449 (0.74%). Richmond's median is -1.23% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $62,759,Waynesboro spans $58,289. Richmond 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, Richmond ($62,551 effective) pays 6.24% more than Waynesboro ($58,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,211/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,874)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,551)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Richmond grew 53.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$37,670 (2019) → $57,730 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$45,100 (2024) → $57,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Richmond or Waynesboro?
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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