Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Greenville, NC: $30.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Greenville, NC runs $30.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Greenville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,004 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in Greenville, North Carolina, is projected to be $30.45, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $29.80. This hourly wage is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem therapists working in various environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, sports training facilities, and mobile setups. For those employed three days a week, working around 24 hours, the income can vary greatly. Entry-level therapists start at approximately $18.19 per hour, while seasoned professionals may earn up to $47.20 per hour. These figures are extrapolated from annual salary data and reflect the growing demand for licensed professionals in both independent and chain-operated establishments.
About the Greenville 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) | $18.19 | $145.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.93 | $183.47 |
| Median (P50) | $30.45 | $243.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.98 | $311.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.20 | $377.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenville
Based on $30.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.45/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenville, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,542. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greenville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.07 | $5,278 | $63,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.84 | $3,167 | $38,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.23 | $2,111 | $25,336 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Greenville) | $30.45 |
| 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 Greenville, NC earn a median of $63,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.30% below the North Carolina state average of $64,836.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.45/hr = $38,004/year (purchasing power: $40,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,340/year (purchasing power: $67,671).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Greenville grew 36.5% from $21.04/hr (2019) to $28.72/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.29/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 Greenville 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 Greenville
Part-time massage therapists, working around 24 hours each week, can expect to take home a significant portion of their earnings annually. For example, their gross annual income might reach around $38,000, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts. Furthermore, per diem and agency positions tend to offer varied pay rates; therapists in chain spas often bill between $25-$40 per session, while mid-tier independent practices may see fees of $60-$100 per session. Self-employed therapists often capitalize on direct-pay models, charging anywhere from $80-$150 per hour, especially for mobile in-home services where premium sessions can range from $120-$200 each. Employment settings also impact hourly rates significantly; those affiliated with franchise chains like Massage Envy may earn less than those in private practices. For massage therapists negotiating pay in Greenville, it’s strategic to consider the trade-offs between lower rates that may include benefits and higher earnings that come with self-employment, where all overhead costs are the therapist's responsibility.
More salary data for Greenville, 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 Greenville. 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 Greenville 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