Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $30.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kernersville, NC runs $30.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kernersville, North Carolina, massage therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $30.90, which surpasses the national median of $29.80. This hourly rate provides a robust earning potential for both full-time and part-time practitioners. For therapists working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings can translate into a substantial income across various work environments including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. Within Kernersville, the pay scale ranges from $18.27 for entry-level positions to up to $47.89 for top earners, reflecting the different levels of experience and type of establishment. These estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, illustrating the financial opportunities available in this field.
About the Kernersville 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) | $18.27 | $146.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Median (P50) | $30.90 | $247.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.55 | $316.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.89 | $383.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $30.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.90/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,077. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.89 | $5,356 | $64,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.53 | $3,213 | $38,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.35 | $2,142 | $25,706 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kernersville) | $30.90 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $64,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $64,847.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.90/hr = $38,560/year (purchasing power: $41,196).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,266/year (purchasing power: $68,660).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kernersville grew 36.5% from $21.35/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.76/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
The dynamics of working hours significantly impact the financial outcomes for massage therapists in Kernersville. A therapist working three days a week (24 hours) might take home an annual income that emphasizes the appeal of part-time employment. In addition, per-diem massage therapists in the area often charge between $25-$40 per session at chain establishments, while independent practices can command $60-$100, and those working in mobile settings may earn premium rates of $120-$200 per session. Pay rates can vary widely depending on employer types, with franchise establishments typically offering lower hourly compensation compared to self-employed practitioners, who, while facing overhead costs, can realize much higher per-session earnings. Many therapists balance their desire for financial stability and insurance benefits from larger employers against the greater hourly pay of independent work. Negotiating effectively in Kernersville requires an understanding of these disparities, with clear communication about one's value contributing to successful contracts and pay agreements.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Kernersville?
Are massage therapists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Kernersville?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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