Massage Therapist Salary in Bristol, CT: $66,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Bristol, CT earns a median $66,338/year (≈ $31.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $61,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average massage therapist salary in Bristol, CT, is projected to be $66,338, surpassing the national median of $61,975 by 7.04%. Salaries in this region typically range from $38,476 at the lower end (10th percentile) to about $102,824 for top earners (90th percentile). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The potential for tips at spa employers further enhances income levels, making it essential for massage therapists in the area to consider both base pay and gratuity when evaluating their earnings. The Bristol job market provides ample opportunities in various settings, including day spas and clinics, catering to a diverse clientele that values therapeutic services.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,476 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,185 | $24.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,338 | $31.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,912 | $40.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,824 | $49.43 |
Median Salary Position
7.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,348 (2026 est.). At $66,338, the local median is 7.04% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $66,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $66,873 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +7.04% more |
Massage Therapists in Bristol, CT earn a median of $66,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.04% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $66,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,338 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,481 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,835
2025 BLS Actual
$62,565
2026 Current Est.
$66,338
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,691 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,338 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $45,835 (2019) to $62,565 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,338 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,503 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,476 – $51,185 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,185 – $66,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,338 – $84,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,912 – $102,824 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Bristol
The competitive job market in Bristol, with only 13 employed massage therapists, presents a unique scenario for professionals in the field. Given the cost-of-living index of 107.9, take-home pay can feel slightly diminished, as living expenses are above the national average. Spa employers, particularly franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, tend to pay lower hourly rates compared to self-employed therapists who can capitalize on direct client relationships. The pay gap here can be attributed to the structured pay-per-service model in franchises versus the flexible pricing of independent practice. To enhance earning potential, therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as sports or oncology massage, which often command premium rates. Additionally, networking and building a solid client base can prove beneficial in maximizing overall compensation in Bristol's evolving market.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,565 for massage therapistsin the Bristol metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bristol 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