Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Blacksburg, VA runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,057 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blacksburg, Virginia, massage therapists earn a median hourly rate of $30.49, which is comparatively higher than the national hourly median of $29.80. This wage reflects the evolving profile of the profession, catering to diverse work environments such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile therapy settings. For those who opt for part-time work, such as 3 days a week, this translates into considerable flexibility while still offering a solid hourly pay structure. Entry-level massage therapists can expect to start around $18.05 per hour, while top earners may reach $47.27 per hour, signifying a broad spectrum of earning potential. The data suggests that this field can accommodate various working styles, whether through full-time commitments or more casual, per-diem arrangements in treatment rooms or homes.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.05 | $144.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.79 | $182.29 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.03 | $312.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.27 | $378.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $63,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,593. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.77 | $5,286 | $63,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.86 | $3,171 | $38,057 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.91 | $2,114 | $25,371 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Blacksburg) | $30.49 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $63,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $63,942.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,057/year (purchasing power: $36,877).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,428/year (purchasing power: $61,461).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Blacksburg grew 32.0% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.33/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
Part-time massage therapists working 24 hours a week in Blacksburg can expect to take home around $39,335 annually, a figure that can complement another income source or serve as a primary salary, albeit at a lower echelon. Per diem massage therapist pay in Blacksburg varies substantially; therapists often bill between $25 and $40 per session at chain spas, but self-employed professionals can command $80 to $150 for cash-pay sessions, especially in mobile scenarios that require travel to clients' homes. The hourly rates can differ markedly across employment types; franchise chains typically provide steadiness but lesser hourly pay compared to independent practices where earnings may be higher but carry overhead and marketing responsibilities. Health benefits versus hourly pay become a deciding factor too; many therapists may find themselves opting for lower hourly pay for the security of health insurance, whereas others pursue higher pay without benefits. Those negotiating hourly rates in Blacksburg should come prepared to discuss not just their experience but also understand the specific market dynamics at play, helping to set a realistic and competitive wage expectation.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Blacksburg?
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How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in Blacksburg?
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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 Blacksburg. 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 Blacksburg 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