Massage Therapist Salary in Barnstable, MA: $60,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Barnstable, MA earns a median $60,294/year (≈ $28.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Barnstable's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $55,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Barnstable, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for a massage therapist in 2026 is $60,294, which is slightly below the national median of $61,975. The local salary range spans from $34,971 at the 10th percentile to $93,456 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential based on factors like experience and employer type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Given the reliance on tip income at many spa employers, which typically adds a substantial amount to base pay, it's clear that earning potential varies widely in this market.
About the Barnstable Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,971 | $16.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,242 | $22.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,294 | $28.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,176 | $37.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,456 | $44.94 |
Median Salary Position
2.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Barnstable
In Barnstable, MA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,485 (2026 est.). At $60,294, the local median is 2.71% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Barnstable: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Barnstable Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Barnstable median: $60,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Barnstable Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $62,031 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -2.71% less |
Massage Therapists in Barnstable, MA earn a median of $60,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.71% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.80% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,031.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Barnstable has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Barnstable, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,294 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,571 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,659
2025 BLS Actual
$56,865
2026 Current Est.
$60,294
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Barnstable (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,659 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,437 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,281 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Barnstable metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $41,659 (2019) to $56,865 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,271 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barnstable 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) | $34,971 – $47,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,242 – $60,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,294 – $77,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,176 – $93,456 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Barnstable
With only eight massage therapists employed in Barnstable, the local job market offers a tight-knit community where earnings are heavily influenced by the cost of living, which sits at a higher index of 108.5. This elevated cost means take-home pay may not go as far when compared to other regions. In Barnstable, spas such as Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements often offer lower salaries as they focus on volume rather than individual session rates. Conversely, those in self-employed practices can command significantly higher fees, often enhancing their income with specialty services. While franchises typically provide stability and manageable client loads, they tend to pay considerably less, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right employer strategically. To maximize income in Barnstable, therapists should consider self-employment opportunities, cultivate a loyal client base, and stay informed about industry standards to leverage their skills effectively.
More salary data for Barnstable, MA:
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 $56,865 for massage therapistsin the Barnstable 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 Barnstable 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