Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Andover, MA: $35,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,175 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,419 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, starting massage therapist salary in Andover, MA, is projected at $35,175, which is relatively modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $58,730. New graduates entering the field can expect to navigate this gap over the first few years of their careers. As they gain experience, they might progress through a salary range that includes $44,155 at the 25th percentile and the potential to reach the median by year three to five. With a growth rate of 6.03% annually, Andover presents a promising market for new graduates, albeit with realistic expectations for their initial earning potential.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level massage therapists in Andover, MA typically start between $35,175 and $44,155 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,730 — 5.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Massachusetts of $18,000 represents just 51.17% of the starting massage therapist pay ($35,175/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $35,175 to $44,155, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $55,857 ( 158.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,175, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,032.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,509
2025 BLS Actual
$33,175
2026 Current Est.
$35,175
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,639 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,839 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,297 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,509 in 2019 to $33,175 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,297. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
In Andover, various employers tend to prefer hiring fresh talent, especially franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements, which typically facilitate quicker onboarding for new licensed therapists. While these chains may offer lower wages, they provide consistent booking opportunities that can be appealing for recent graduates. Meanwhile, chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics might offer steadier hourly wages alongside limited tips. For those considering self-employment, the potential for higher earnings exists, but it comes with the responsibilities of overhead and self-marketing. To maximize starting pay, new grads should ensure they complete a 500-1,000 hour program from a state-approved institution, pass the MBLEx, and obtain their state massage therapy license. Additionally, joining professional organizations like ABMP or AMTA can offer essential liability insurance and educational resources that further elevate one’s qualifications in a competitive job market. Entering the field of massage therapy with strategic thinking about employment options and credentials can lead to significant salary advancement within the early stages of one’s career in this city.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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