Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $31.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in High Point, NC runs $31.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,618 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, North Carolina, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $31.75 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $29.80. This competitive rate benefits those in part-time or per-diem roles, making it feasible to earn a respectable income with as little as three days of work per week. In typical settings like treatment rooms at spas, chiropractic clinics, and hotels, the hourly range reflects the profession's hierarchy, spanning from entry-level positions at around $18.50 to seasoned professionals earning up to $49.21. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, showcase the potential for both consistent employment and lucrative hourly engagements, depending on the setting and the therapist's experience.
About the High Point 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) | $18.50 | $148.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.59 | $188.73 |
| Median (P50) | $31.75 | $253.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.63 | $325.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.21 | $393.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $31.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.75/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,030 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,094. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.82 | $5,503 | $66,030 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.89 | $3,302 | $39,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.93 | $2,201 | $26,412 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (High Point) | $31.75 |
| 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 High Point, NC earn a median of $66,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.54% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.80% above the North Carolina state average of $64,864.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.75/hr = $39,618/year (purchasing power: $42,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,030/year (purchasing power: $70,545).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in High Point grew 36.5% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $29.94/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.66/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 High Point 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 High Point
Examining the earning potential reveals that a part-time massage therapist working three days a week could take home a substantial amount annually, particularly when accounting for per-diem assignments. In High Point, per diem massage therapists frequently charge between $25 to $40 per session in chain settings, while independent practitioners can command $80 to $150 for similar services, depending on the clientele and location. Various employers, from franchise chains like Massage Envy to self-employed practices, demonstrate significant disparity in pay, often offering lower hourly wages for stable hours and benefit packages. Negotiating pay can be critical; therapists often weigh the stability of a consistent hourly rate against the freedom and potentially higher earnings that come with self-employment, adjusting their strategies based on local market dynamics and individual circumstances.
More salary data for High Point, 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 High Point. 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 High Point 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