Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Charlottesville, VA: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Charlottesville, VA runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Charlottesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.1, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,183 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlottesville, Virginia, the massage therapist hourly pay is projected to be $29.79 in 2026, which is practically on par with the national hourly median of $29.80. This rate provides insight into the financial landscape for both full-time and part-time massage therapists within various settings such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile practices. For those working part-time, say three days a week, an individual could expect their schedule to reflect their income, potentially allowing for flexibility in hours and appointments. The hourly pay range shows a spectrum from entry-level positions earning around $19.06 to experienced therapists reaching up to $66.68 per hour. These figures indicate that massage therapists in Charlottesville can tap into a solid earning potential, whether they occupy roles in established settings or venture into self-employed practices.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.45 | $211.64 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.71 | $381.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.68 | $533.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlottesville
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlottesville, VA 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 99.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlottesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlottesville
| 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 (Charlottesville) | $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 Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $61,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.10% below the Virginia state average of $63,957.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,183/year (purchasing power: $37,504).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,972/year (purchasing power: $62,506).
CoL index: 99.146 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.20/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 Charlottesville grew 30.9% from $21.46/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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
Exploring part-time income, a massage therapist working just three days a week (totalling around 24 hours) can expect to earn significantly different amounts compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, such a part-time therapist might take home an annual income that reflects their reduced hours, which can equate to fewer total clients. In contrast, per-diem massage therapists, especially those filling in at spas or clinics, typically charge varying rates based on the setting— ranging from $25-$40 per session in chain establishments to between $80-$150 for self-employed cash-pay sessions. The competitive landscape in Charlottesville includes various work environments that pay differently; spas often have lower wages compared to the higher earnings self-employed professionals can achieve. Many therapists face a balancing act between lower hourly pay with benefits and higher pay without those safety nets, making negotiation skills and a clear understanding of one’s worth essential in this profession.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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