Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Long Beach, NY: $39,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Long Beach, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,096 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,733 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,110) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into the field of massage therapy in Long Beach, NY, can expect an entry-level wage starting at approximately $39,096 in 2026, a figure that reflects the initial phase of their careers. This starting salary presents a noticeable gap when contrasted with the city's median salary of $67,110. Over the early years of their careers, technicians can anticipate gradual advancements in pay, with projections suggesting potential incomes reaching around $49,644 after gaining some experience. For new grads, Long Beach serves as a reasonable market, with opportunities available to grow and improve their earnings in this vibrant community.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level massage therapists in Long Beach, NY typically start between $39,096 and $49,644 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,924 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,110 — 8.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in New York of $18,000 represents just 46.04% of the starting massage therapist pay ($39,096/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $39,096 to $49,644, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Massage Therapist Compensation Range
The massage therapist wage spread in Long Beach is $64,924 ( 166.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,096, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,020.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,906
2025 BLS Actual
$36,873
2026 Current Est.
$39,096
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,861 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,454 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, NY grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,906 in 2019 to $36,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,454. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
In Long Beach, several employers actively seek to hire newly licensed massage therapists, particularly franchises like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements. These establishments often provide a solid onboarding experience for new graduates, albeit at a salary that may be lower than what experienced therapists earn. For those considering other work environments, chiropractic offices or physical therapy clinics may offer stable hourly pay and benefits, albeit with limited tip income. To maximize earning potential in New York, newcomers should focus on obtaining credentials like those from a 500-1,000 hour massage therapy program, passing the MBLEx, and securing state licensing. Additionally, joining industry associations like ABMP or AMTA can enhance credibility. While self-employed therapists may charge clientele between $80 to $150 per hour with more direct pay opportunities, they should also be prepared to manage overhead and marketing independently. Within the first three years, new therapists in Long Beach can expect steady growth as they develop their networks and establish client relationships.
More salary data for Long Beach, NY:
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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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