Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $36.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Raleigh, NC runs $36.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,790 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,480 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the projected massage therapist hourly pay in 2026 is $36.44, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This positioning reflects not only the local demand for skilled practitioners but also the varied settings where therapists can work, from bustling spas and chiropractic clinics to mobile setups and home-based practices. With hourly rates ranging from $20.73 for entry-level positions to $48.57 for the highest earners, those in this profession enjoy a flexible earning potential suited for both full-time professionals and part-time workers seeking to balance work with personal commitments. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS estimates, projected to 2026, and emphasizes the vibrant environment for massage therapists in Raleigh.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.11 | $240.90 |
| Median (P50) | $36.44 | $291.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.84 | $350.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.57 | $388.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $36.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.44/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $75,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,731. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,457.70 | $6,317 | $75,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $874.62 | $3,790 | $45,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $583.08 | $2,527 | $30,320 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Raleigh) | $36.44 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $75,790 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.29% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 16.90% above the North Carolina state average of $64,833.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.44/hr = $45,480/year (purchasing power: $46,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,800/year (purchasing power: $77,224).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+109.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Raleigh grew 86.6% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $34.37/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.64/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
For professionals who may prefer part-time schedules, such as working three days a week, the potential annual income varies significantly compared to full-time earnings. A therapist working 24 hours per week could take home approximately $45,000 annually, depending on the number of clients serviced and session pricing. A per diem massage therapist in Raleigh can expect to charge between $25 and $100 per session, depending on their employment context. Those self-employed can command even higher rates, earning $80 to $150 per hour for cash-pay clients. However, therapists in franchised settings like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone may experience lower hourly rates but benefit from consistent bookings. When negotiating hourly pay, therapists should weigh the trade-off between potential income and benefits like health insurance that some employers provide, particularly in structured environments versus going solo. Understanding these dynamics can empower practitioners to make informed decisions about their career paths in Raleigh's thriving massage therapy community.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Raleigh in 2026?
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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 Raleigh. 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, 7-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