Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $31.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Apex, NC runs $31.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,296 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,182 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $31.40, surpassing the national median of $29.80. This competitive pay provides a solid foundation for those working part-time or per-diem in various settings, such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For therapists working three days a week, this hourly rate reflects not only their expertise but also the flexibility inherent in the profession. Entry-level massage therapists may start at around $18.21 per hour, while experienced professionals, particularly in self-employed scenarios or high-end environments, can earn up to $48.66 per hour. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the robust earning potential available within this field in Apex, NC.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.21 | $145.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.10 | $192.80 |
| Median (P50) | $31.40 | $251.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.19 | $321.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.66 | $389.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $31.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.40/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $65,303 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,675. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,255.82 | $5,442 | $65,303 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $753.49 | $3,265 | $39,182 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.33 | $2,177 | $26,121 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Apex) | $31.40 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Apex, NC earn a median of $65,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $64,843.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.40/hr = $39,182/year (purchasing power: $41,861).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,303/year (purchasing power: $69,768).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Apex grew 36.5% from $21.69/hr (2019) to $29.61/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.29/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Apex
Turning to the part-time earning potential, a massage therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $39,000 annually, which is a respectable income for part-time work. On the other hand, per-diem massage therapists often charge varying rates depending on their employment context, typically billing between $25 and $100 per session in chain establishments versus mid-tier venues, respectively. Self-employed therapists can significantly increase their earnings, with cash-pay sessions ranging from $80 to $150 for a 60-minute service. However, those choosing employment with franchise chains like Massage Envy might sacrifice some potential earnings for the stability of a steady schedule and benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Apex, therapists should consider their unique value proposition, potential client base, and whether to accept lower rates for the benefits associated with certain employment types, reflecting a strategic balance between income and job security.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Apex. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex 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