Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Aiken, SC: $30.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Aiken, SC runs $30.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Aiken's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,660 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aiken, South Carolina, massage therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $30.18, which is slightly above the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This difference may offer enticing opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this translates to a viable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for massage therapists in Aiken spans from $17.89 at the entry-level to $46.78 for the top earners, giving new professionals a chance to gradually increase their pay as they gain more experience. Such projections reflect estimates based on annual salary data slated for 2026.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.42 |
| Median (P50) | $30.18 | $241.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.63 | $309.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.78 | $374.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aiken
Based on $30.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.18/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aiken, SC can expect to earn approximately $62,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,211. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aiken.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aiken
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,207.05 | $5,231 | $62,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.23 | $3,138 | $37,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.82 | $2,092 | $25,107 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Aiken) | $30.18 |
| 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 Aiken, SC earn a median of $62,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $63,280.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.18/hr = $37,660/year (purchasing power: $41,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,766/year (purchasing power: $68,597).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Aiken grew 36.5% from $20.85/hr (2019) to $28.46/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.00/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 Aiken 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 Aiken
For those considering part-time roles, a therapist working 24 hours a week may generate a significant annual income, although it will remain lower than a full-time salary. Per-diem massage therapist pay in Aiken varies widely, with therapists often billing between $25 to $40 per session at franchise spas, while independent practitioners can command $80 to $150 per hour for their services. Mobile in-home therapists might charge even more, reaching $120 to $200 per session, reflecting their specialized offerings. The diversity in employer types—spas, chiropractic offices, or independent practices—introduces a variance in pay structures. Some massage therapists might choose to accept lower hourly pay for the stability of benefits like healthcare, while others may prefer the higher rates that come with self-employment. Effective negotiation skills can help hourly workers in Aiken secure better rates, whether they’re taking a position at a chain like Massage Envy or opting for independent work, ensuring they find the best fit for their financial goals and lifestyle.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Aiken in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Aiken?
Are massage therapists in Aiken paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Aiken?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Aiken?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Aiken. 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 Aiken 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