Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Scarborough, ME: $35,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,285 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,427 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the massage therapy field in Scarborough, Maine can expect a starting salary around $35,285, which reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum. This figure is considerably below the city's median annual salary for massage therapists, which is projected at $58,893. As new professionals gain experience and additional skills, they can anticipate their salaries to rise to approximately $46,484 within the first few years. With a healthy growth rate of 6.03% annually for this profession, the opportunities for entry-level massage therapists appear promising in Scarborough, making it a potentially good market for new graduates eager to build their careers.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Entry-level massage therapists in Scarborough, ME typically start between $35,285 and $46,484 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,999 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,893 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Maine of $12,000 represents just 34.01% of the starting massage therapist pay ($35,285/year) in Scarborough. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on COMTA-accredited and state-approved massage therapy program data. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private massage school) and required hours (varies by state licensing).
LMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $35,285 to $46,484, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the massage therapy field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scarborough, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Massage Therapist Compensation Range
The massage therapist wage spread in Scarborough is $55,999 ( 158.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,285, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,284.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,575
2025 BLS Actual
$33,278
2026 Current Est.
$35,285
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,268 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,412 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,575 in 2019 to $33,278 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,412. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your massage therapy Career in Scarborough
Employers in Scarborough that typically hire newly licensed massage therapists include franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements, which are known for quick onboarding and ongoing client bookings. While these positions tend to pay less than self-employed practices, they provide a consistent income and supportive work environment. For those looking to maximize their starting pay in Maine, completing a state-approved 500-1,000 hour massage therapy program, passing the MBLEx exam, and obtaining the necessary state licensure is essential. In addition, joining professional associations such as ABMP or AMTA can offer valuable resources. Early career massage therapists often face a decision between lower-paying franchise work and the potential for higher hourly rates, ranging from $80 to $150, in self-employment, which also entails handling business overhead and marketing. Realistically, new graduates can expect gradual salary growth as they delve into their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for massage therapists in Scarborough in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new massage therapy graduates. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov