Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Summerville, SC runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,983 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, massage therapists can expect a median hourly rate of $29.79, which closely aligns with the national benchmark of $29.80. This slight disparity indicates a competitive local market for massage therapy services. Part-time therapists, who might typically work three days a week, can utilize this hourly wage to generate a comfortable income while balancing other commitments. The profession offers a wide range of pay scales, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $17.93 per hour, while top earners may see rates up to $46.19. Such flexibility allows massage therapists in various settings—whether in spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or mobile in-home practices—to not only accommodate different schedules but also explore lucrative opportunities based on their experience and client base.
About the Summerville 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) | $17.93 | $143.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.53 | $180.25 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.14 | $305.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.19 | $369.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $61,972 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,753. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.78 | $5,164 | $61,972 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.07 | $3,099 | $37,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.71 | $2,066 | $24,789 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Summerville) | $29.79 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $61,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $63,313.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,183/year (purchasing power: $40,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,972/year (purchasing power: $67,729).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Summerville grew 36.5% from $20.59/hr (2019) to $28.10/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.59/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Considering the overall earning potential, a part-time massage therapist working just 24 hours a week might expect to earn an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet still achieve a solid income depending on their hourly work dynamics. Per-diem massage therapists, who often work on an as-needed basis, can charge session rates ranging from $25 to $100 in more standardized settings and potentially $80 to $200 for self-employed mobile services. These variations reflect differences across employer types in Summerville, including spas like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, physical therapy clinics, and independent practices. When negotiating pay, therapists beginning a new role may need to weigh the implications of accepting lower hourly rates that include benefits against the opportunity to earn more through self-employment, which comes with greater financial risk. Understanding these elements can empower practitioners to make informed choices regarding their career paths in the massage therapist hourly pay structure in Summerville.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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