Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $24.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Kingsport, TN runs $24.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kingsport, TN, the projected massage therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.33, which is significantly lower than the national median of $29.80. This rate indicates that part-time workers, who may operate within spas, clinics, or offer mobile services three days a week, could expect around $400 to $600 per week if working a typical schedule. With the hourly range for massage therapists in this city spanning from $14.49 for entry-level positions to as much as $37.73 for top earners, there exists a substantial opportunity for those willing to navigate various environments like hotel spa cabins or private practices. Estimated figures are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the income potential in different settings across Kingsport.
About the Kingsport Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.49 | $115.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.31 | $146.49 |
| Median (P50) | $24.33 | $194.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.15 | $249.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.73 | $301.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $24.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.33/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $50,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,201. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $973.36 | $4,218 | $50,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.01 | $2,531 | $30,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.34 | $1,687 | $20,246 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Kingsport) | $24.33 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $50,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.31% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.60% below the Tennessee state average of $50,931.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.33/hr = $30,369/year (purchasing power: $33,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,614/year (purchasing power: $55,136).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Kingsport grew 36.5% from $16.81/hr (2019) to $22.95/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.80/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Evaluating part-time earnings for a massage therapist who opts to work for three days a week can lead to a sustainable income, totaling around $31,200 annually compared to a full-time practitioner. For per diem or agency massage therapists in Kingsport, their earnings can fluctuate based on session rates that range from $25 to $100 per visit in chain settings, while self-employed professionals often charge between $80 and $150 per hour. This variance across employer types means that while franchise chains like Massage Envy offer a steady flow of clients, they may pay less compared to the income potential of self-employment. Therapists considering their options must weigh benefits like health insurance against the potential for higher hourly wages without benefits. Negotiating pay in Kingsport can be effective; emphasizing skills or unique offerings might help secure better rates within this diverse employment arena.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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 Kingsport. 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 Kingsport 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