Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Burien, WA: $51,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,717 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,154 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($86,392) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the massage therapy field in Burien, WA, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $51,717 in 2026. This figure may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $86,392, but it reflects the typical trajectory new therapists experience. Within their first few years, entry-level practitioners can anticipate gradual growth in earnings, with many reaching approximately $65,116 after gaining some experience. For fresh graduates eager to start their careers, Burien presents a relatively favorable market; the projected 6.03% growth rate suggests steady job availability and potential salary increases over time, making it an encouraging environment for those just beginning their professional journey.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
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 Burien
Entry-level massage therapists in Burien, WA typically start between $51,717 and $65,116 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,190 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $86,392 — 39.4% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Washington of $13,000 represents just 25.14% of the starting massage therapist pay ($51,717/year) in Burien. 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 Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $51,717 to $65,116, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, 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 Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien'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 Burien is $82,190 ( 158.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,717, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,907.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,623
2025 BLS Actual
$48,776
2026 Current Est.
$51,717
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,623 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,836 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,623 in 2019 to $48,776 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,836. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Newly licensed massage therapists in Burien should consider various employment avenues to optimize their initial earnings and experience. Franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements are known for hiring new grads due to their quick onboarding processes, although initial pay may be lower. Alternatively, positions at chiropractic or physical therapy clinics can provide a more stable hourly wage and benefits, yet may offer limited tipping opportunities. More experienced therapists tend to thrive in high-end resort spas, which often favor applicants with a proven track record. To boost earning potential, graduates should complete a 500- to 1,000-hour massage program from an accredited school, pass the MBLEx, and obtain the state massage therapy license. Additionally, engaging in continuing education programs offered by organizations like ABMP or AMTA can enhance skills and salary prospects. Early-stage therapists can expect realistic salary growth in their first few years, with consistent bookings translating into better financial outcomes as they navigate their careers.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for massage therapists in Burien in 2026?
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Is massage therapy school worth it in Burien?
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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 Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien 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