Massage Therapist Salary in Wilmington, DE: $64,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Wilmington, DE earns a median $64,230/year (≈ $30.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $63,156 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Wilmington, Delaware, is anticipated to hit $64,230, which is slightly above the national median of $61,975. With a salary range spanning from $37,254 at the lower end (P10) to $99,556 at the upper end (P90), it's evident that there’s considerable income variation based on experience, work environment, and clientele. Local estimates derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost fluctuations provide a clearer picture of what practitioners can expect in terms of compensation in this city. The role's financial landscape demonstrates that while many beginning therapists may earn closer to the lower range, seasoned professionals working in upscale facilities or private practices can command significantly higher rates, often benefiting from tips that can supplement their base income.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,254 | $17.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,864 | $22.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,230 | $30.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,215 | $39.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,556 | $47.86 |
Median Salary Position
3.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,302 (2026 est.). At $64,230, the local median is 3.64% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilmington Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $64,230/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $63,156 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +3.64% more |
Massage Therapists in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $64,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.64% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $63,156.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,230 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,156 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,378
2025 BLS Actual
$60,577
2026 Current Est.
$64,230
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,378 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,207 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,323 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,577 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,103 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $44,378 (2019) to $60,577 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,103 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,725 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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) | $37,254 – $46,864 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,864 – $64,230 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,230 – $82,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,215 – $99,556 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Wilmington
Wilmington's job market for massage therapists is relatively modest, with approximately 10 professionals currently employed in the region. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, indicating that expenses here are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home pay and lifestyle. Notably, the highest-paying opportunities are often found in high-end spa environments, such as hotel spas or exclusive wellness centers, compared to franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which typically offer lower per-service compensation models. Factors contributing to the wage spectrum in Wilmington include the differences in employment types—self-employed therapists can earn more due to decreased overhead and the potential for cash-pay billing, while employed therapists may see significant tips that add 15-25% to their earnings. Maximizing pay in this market can hinge on building a strong client base, specializing in areas such as sports or prenatal massage, and effectively managing one’s self-marketing efforts.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
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 $60,577 for massage therapistsin the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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