Massage Therapist Salary in Chelsea, MA: $61,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Chelsea, MA earns a median $61,459/year (≈ $29.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $56,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the estimated salary for massage therapists in 2026 is positioned at $61,459 annually, slightly below the national figure of $61,975. This local market exhibits a wide pay spectrum ranging from $36,275 at the low end (P10) to an impressive $95,262 for those at the higher end (P90). The figures provided are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect regional price adjustments which indicate the localized cost of living. Given the market’s reliance on tips, particularly within spa environments, many therapists may find that their take-home pay can be significantly enhanced beyond the base salary, making Chelsea an appealing option for those in the profession.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,275 | $17.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,860 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,459 | $29.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,668 | $37.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,262 | $45.79 |
Median Salary Position
0.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,987 (2026 est.). At $61,459, the local median is 0.83% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $61,459/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $62,017 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -0.83% less |
Massage Therapists in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $61,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,017.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,459 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,644 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,464
2025 BLS Actual
$57,964
2026 Current Est.
$61,459
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,464 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,520 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,445 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,503 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,464 (2019) to $57,964 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,701 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $36,275 – $45,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,860 – $61,459 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,459 – $78,668 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,668 – $95,262 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Chelsea
Looking at the Chelsea job market, there are currently six massage therapists operating within the area. The cost of living index for Chelsea stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, expenses may also be higher than the national average. Among different employer types, those in higher-end spas typically command better compensation compared to franchises such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which may offer lower per-service rates. The disparity in earnings can also be attributed to differences in work settings, with self-employed therapists capable of clearing substantial hourly amounts while managing their expenses independently. To maximize earnings in Chelsea, massage therapists should consider developing a niche specialty or expanding their clientele through effective self-marketing, which is crucial for maximizing cash-pay sessions and tipping income.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Chelsea, MA in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Chelsea?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Chelsea?
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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 $57,964 for massage therapistsin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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