Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $35.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Winston, NC runs $35.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,348 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,607 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Winston, North Carolina, the compensation for massage therapists is notably favorable, with a median hourly pay of $35.74, significantly higher than the national median of $29.80. This rate reflects the growing demand for therapeutic services in various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in part-time or per-diem work. For massage therapists working three days a week, this pay translates into over $2,000 monthly, allowing for a comfortable living in a city where the cost of living index is below the national average. The hourly range indicates entry-level therapists earn around $19.06, while experienced practitioners can see earnings peak at $50.76, reflecting the diverse skill levels and client needs across Winston.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.31 | $234.45 |
| Median (P50) | $35.74 | $285.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.40 | $331.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.76 | $406.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $35.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.74/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $74,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,891. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,429.71 | $6,195 | $74,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.83 | $3,717 | $44,607 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.88 | $2,478 | $29,738 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Winston) | $35.74 |
| 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 Winston, NC earn a median of $74,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.96% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 14.60% above the North Carolina state average of $64,876.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.74/hr = $44,607/year (purchasing power: $48,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,345/year (purchasing power: $80,772).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Winston grew 15.6% from $29.16/hr (2019) to $33.71/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.90/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 Winston 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 Winston
When considering part-time earning potential, a massage therapist dedicated to a 24-hour work week can still bring home a respectable income, though full-time practitioners may see substantial differences in overall compensation. Per-diem massage therapists, often hired on an as-needed basis, typically bill between $25 to $100 per session depending on experience and employment type; self-employed therapists engaging in cash-pay practices can command fees up to $150 or more for a 60-minute session. Hourly rates vary by employer; franchise chains like Massage Envy may provide stable bookings but often pay less compared to independent practices. Some therapists opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others choose the flexibility and higher pay of self-employed roles. For those navigating this industry in Winston, effective negotiation skills and awareness of market rates can significantly influence income outcomes in this rewarding profession.
More salary data for Winston, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Winston. 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, 6-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