Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Fayetteville, NC: $28.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Fayetteville, NC runs $28.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,621 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Fayetteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,768 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $28.66 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate positions massage therapists well, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. For a professional working three days a week, this compensation offers a viable income, especially in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. The hourly range also showcases the profession's variability, with entry-level therapists starting around $16.07, while more experienced practitioners can earn as much as $52.85 per hour. These figures come from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, underscoring the importance of context when evaluating earnings in this field.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.07 | $128.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.20 | $209.60 |
| Median (P50) | $28.66 | $229.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.85 | $350.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.85 | $422.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fayetteville
Based on $28.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.66/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fayetteville, NC can expect to earn approximately $59,613 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,392. With a cost-of-living index of 91.98 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fayetteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fayetteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.40 | $4,968 | $59,613 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.84 | $2,981 | $35,768 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.56 | $1,987 | $23,845 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Fayetteville) | $28.66 |
| 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 Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $59,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.80% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 8.10% below the North Carolina state average of $64,876.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.66/hr = $35,768/year (purchasing power: $38,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,613/year (purchasing power: $64,812).
CoL index: 91.978 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Fayetteville grew 36.5% from $19.80/hr (2019) to $27.03/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.39/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 Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville
Considering the practical implications of massage therapist pay in Fayetteville, part-time workers who contribute about 24 hours weekly could anticipate an annual income considerably lower than full-time therapists. Typically, per-diem massage therapists can earn between $25-$40 per session at chain locations, while independent practitioners may charge upwards of $80 to $150 per hour for self-pay clients. Employment type greatly influences earnings; for example, therapists in franchise settings, like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, usually earn less due to steady bookings yet lack the freedom of self-employed therapists who manage their clientele and marketing. Those leaning towards self-employment might face higher variability in income but can achieve significant hourly earnings—especially in mobile or specialized practices. Many therapists must weigh the benefits of lower pay for job security and health insurance against the potential for higher earnings without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local market and leveraging certifications from organizations like ABMP or AMTA can help secure better compensation in Fayetteville.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Fayetteville in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Fayetteville?
Are massage therapists in Fayetteville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Fayetteville?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fayetteville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Fayetteville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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