Massage Therapist Salary in Lawrence, MA: $60,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Lawrence, MA earns a median $60,491/year (≈ $29.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $55,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lawrence, Massachusetts, massage therapists can expect a median annual salary of $60,491 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $61,975. This salary reflects a wide range, with earnings falling between $36,011 at the lower end (P10) and up to $93,761 at the top (P90). These figures are derived from BLS estimates based on 2025 data, adjusted for cost of living, which is somewhat above the national average in this area. For those working in spas, it's essential to consider the impact of tips, which can significantly enhance earnings, often constituting 15-25% of a session fee, thus making total compensation more competitive in this market.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,011 | $17.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,442 | $21.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,491 | $29.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,428 | $37.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,761 | $45.07 |
Median Salary Position
2.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,750 (2026 est.). At $60,491, the local median is 2.39% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $60,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $62,042 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -2.39% less |
Massage Therapists in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $60,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.39% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $62,042.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,491 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,752 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,795
2025 BLS Actual
$57,051
2026 Current Est.
$60,491
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,795 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,576 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,667 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,986 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,051 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,139 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $41,795 (2019) to $57,051 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,139 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,344 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $36,011 – $45,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,442 – $60,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,491 – $77,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,428 – $93,761 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Lawrence
The job market for massage therapists in Lawrence shows a modest but stable presence, with around 16 professionals employed in the area. While the cost-of-living index is 108.5, indicating higher living expenses, it also highlights the necessity for therapists to maximize their earning potential. Spas like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay compared to independent practices due to their business model, but they can ensure a steady flow of clients. To elevate earning potential, therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas, such as sports or oncology massage, or transitioning to self-employment where they can command higher rates per session. The disparity in pay largely stems from tipping culture, the operational structure of different employers, and the market rate for services. Strategies for success include networking with local health professionals and maintaining a strong online presence to attract direct clients.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $57,051 for massage therapistsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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