Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Gastonia, NC: $29.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Gastonia, NC runs $29.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Gastonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,694 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Massage therapists in Gastonia, NC earn a median hourly pay of $29.40, slightly lower than the national median of $29.80. This wage presents a reasonable opportunity for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem positions. For a massage therapist working three days a week, which typically amounts to around 24 hours, the pay can provide a stable income while still allowing for flexible scheduling. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn approximately $17.17 per hour, while top performers in the region can command rates as high as $45.57 per hour. Estimated hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, and the income potential across different settings—including spa treatment rooms, chiropractic offices, and mobile setups—allows therapists to choose environments that align with their professional goals.
About the Gastonia 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) | $17.17 | $137.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.86 | $174.91 |
| Median (P50) | $29.40 | $235.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.63 | $301.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.57 | $364.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gastonia
Based on $29.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.40/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gastonia, NC can expect to earn approximately $61,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,283. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gastonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gastonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.08 | $5,096 | $61,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.65 | $3,058 | $36,694 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.43 | $2,039 | $24,463 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Gastonia) | $29.40 |
| 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 Gastonia, NC earn a median of $61,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.33% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $64,848.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.40/hr = $36,694/year (purchasing power: $39,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,156/year (purchasing power: $65,338).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Gastonia (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 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Gastonia grew 36.5% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.18/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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia
This market offers varied earning potential depending on the employment type and work arrangement within Gastonia. A massage therapist who works part-time can take home about $36,672 annually versus the $61,152 of a full-time professional—creating a clear trade-off between work hours and overall earnings. Furthermore, per diem massage therapists can charge between $25 to $100 per session, depending on whether they work in an independent or chain setting, and self-employed practitioners can potentially earn $80 to $150 for each hour-long session. Additionally, hourly rates significantly vary by employer type: franchise spas often pay less than independent practices, which offer not only higher hourly rates but also the flexibility of self-employment. Therapists must weigh the benefits of steady hours against the higher pay and autonomy of private practice, particularly when negotiating their hourly rates in a market shaped by both health insurance benefits and personal income goals.
More salary data for Gastonia, 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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia 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