Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $30.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Salisbury, NC runs $30.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salisbury, NC, the massage therapist hourly pay is positioned at a competitive $30.64, exceeding the national average of $29.80. This rate highlights the city's dynamic massage therapy landscape, where practitioners can leverage opportunities across various work settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and self-employed practices. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, the flexibility in schedules allows them to balance multiple commitments while benefiting from a decent hourly wage. The hourly range for massage therapists in the area stretches from approximately $17.77 for entry-level positions to about $47.49 for more experienced practitioners, illustrating growth potential within this profession. Given the estimated figures are drawn from annual salary projections, they reflect broader market trends, offering insight into both traditional employment and freelance prospects.
About the Salisbury 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) | $17.77 | $142.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.42 |
| Median (P50) | $30.64 | $245.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.22 | $313.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.49 | $379.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $30.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.64/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,737 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,771. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.71 | $5,311 | $63,737 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.42 | $3,187 | $38,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.28 | $2,125 | $25,495 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Salisbury) | $30.64 |
| 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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $63,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $64,838.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.64/hr = $38,242/year (purchasing power: $40,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,737/year (purchasing power: $68,095).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Salisbury grew 36.5% from $21.17/hr (2019) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.49/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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
Considering the earning potential in Salisbury, part-time massage therapists working on a three-day-a-week basis may take home a substantial income compared to full-time roles. Specifically, per diem massage therapist pay in Salisbury often varies depending on the employment type, with those in chain spas charging anywhere from $25-$40 per session, while independent therapists can command higher rates from $60-$100 or more for similar services. Self-employed cash-pay therapists, who may operate out of private practices or offer mobile in-home sessions, might charge between $80 and $200 per hour, reflecting their ability to set competitive prices and manage personal branding. Furthermore, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly across employer types; for instance, those working in franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone may receive lower pay compared to their counterparts in self-employment or independent practices. Massage therapists must weigh the benefits of stable employment against the potential for higher earnings in self-employment, factoring in health insurance and other benefits that typically accompany full-time roles. For those looking to negotiate pay in Salisbury, understanding the local market value and clearly articulating qualifications and experience can go a long way.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Salisbury?
Are massage therapists in Salisbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Salisbury?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Salisbury?
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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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