Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $28.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Sumter, SC runs $28.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, the projected massage therapist hourly pay stands at $28.99, which is slightly below the national median of $29.80 for 2026. This rate provides a substantial opportunity for both part-time and per-diem massage therapists within various settings such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, sports medicine practices, and hotel spas. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly rate can yield significant income, especially when combined with opportunities for additional sessions or mobile services. Within the hourly range, entry-level therapists may start at approximately $17.63, while experienced professionals can reach as high as $44.92 in their compensation, reflecting the diversity of opportunities in this field.
About the Sumter 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) | $17.63 | $141.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.99 | $175.92 |
| Median (P50) | $28.99 | $231.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.10 | $296.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.92 | $359.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $28.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.99/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $60,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,786. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,159.54 | $5,025 | $60,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.73 | $3,015 | $36,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.82 | $2,010 | $24,119 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Sumter) | $28.99 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $60,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $63,328.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.99/hr = $36,178/year (purchasing power: $39,539).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,296/year (purchasing power: $65,898).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Sumter grew 36.5% from $20.03/hr (2019) to $27.34/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.74/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
Part-time massage therapists in Sumter, working 24 hours a week, can still make a respectable living, potentially taking home around $34,400 annually based on the prevailing hourly rate. For those engaged in per-diem or agency jobs, compensation can vary widely, with massage therapists billing around $25 to $40 per session at chain establishments, while mid-tier independents may charge $60 to $100. Self-employed therapists can earn $80 to $150 per hour for cash-pay sessions, highly influenced by factors such as overhead and client acquisition efforts. Employment type also plays a significant role in earnings; therapists at franchises like Massage Envy often earn less than those who operate their own practices. When negotiating pay, especially for hourly positions in Sumter, professionals should carefully assess benefits packages, as accepting a lower hourly rate may come with health insurance or other perks that add value to their overall compensation.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Sumter in 2026?
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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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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