Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $29.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Carrboro, NC runs $29.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,131 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,681 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, North Carolina, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $29.39, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This compensation is significant for both part-time employment and per-diem assignments, as it allows professionals to support themselves while working in diverse settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotel treatment rooms. The hourly range varies widely, from $17.05 for entry-level positions to $45.55 for skilled practitioners, indicating the potential for substantial earnings as experience increases. Massage therapists often find themselves balancing work among different environments, from mobile practices to corporate wellness programs, which may affect their overall pay structure, especially for those engaging in diverse client engagements.
About the Carrboro 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) | $17.05 | $136.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.41 | $187.29 |
| Median (P50) | $29.39 | $235.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.62 | $300.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.55 | $364.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $29.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.39/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $61,134 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,270. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.66 | $5,095 | $61,134 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.40 | $3,057 | $36,681 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.26 | $2,038 | $24,454 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Carrboro) | $29.39 |
| 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 Carrboro, NC earn a median of $61,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $64,826.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.39/hr = $36,681/year (purchasing power: $39,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,134/year (purchasing power: $65,314).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Carrboro grew 36.5% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $27.72/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.16/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 Carrboro 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 Carrboro
Regarding part-time opportunities, a massage therapist working three days a week for 24 hours can expect a different financial outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. This schedule translates to an annual income of approximately $39,702 based on the median hourly pay, making it a viable option for those seeking work-life balance. Per diem massage therapists in Carrboro often face varied billing situations, typically charging between $25-$40 per session at chain spas and commanding $80-$150 for self-employed private practices. Employers within this region—such as franchise chains and independent clinics—offer contrasting pay structures. While franchises may provide health benefits, they often compensate at lower hourly rates compared to self-employed professionals who can set their prices higher but incur additional costs. Negotiating for better pay can be essential, especially for those taking self-employed paths, where realizing the true value of their services can enhance their earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Carrboro, 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 Carrboro. 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 Carrboro 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