Massage Therapist Salary in Gulfport, MS: $39,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Gulfport, MS earns a median $39,146/year (≈ $18.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Gulfport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.0), that paycheck buys what $43,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 26.3% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For 2026, the compensation for massage therapists in Gulfport, Mississippi, is projected to average $39,146 annually, significantly less than the national median of $61,975. The salary range reflects a diverse landscape, with entry-level positions earning around $27,557, while experienced professionals can command up to $114,343. Data derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) highlights not only a competitive environment for those looking to enter the field but also the notable pay disparity based on employment type. Franchise establishments such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often offer stability and a steady clientele but typically pay less compared to self-employed practitioners who can potentially earn higher session rates with the right marketing and business strategies.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,557 | $13.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,081 | $15.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,146 | $18.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,041 | $20.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,343 | $54.98 |
Median Salary Position
36.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
In Gulfport, MS, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,786 (2026 est.). At $39,146, the local median is 36.84% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gulfport: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Gulfport Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Gulfport median: $39,146/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gulfport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $53,116 | -26.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -36.84% less |
Massage Therapists in Gulfport, MS earn a median of $39,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.84% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 26.30% below the Mississippi state average of $53,116.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gulfport has a cost of living 9.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gulfport, MS has a cost-of-living index of 90.006 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $39,146 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,493 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,047
2025 BLS Actual
$36,920
2026 Current Est.
$39,146
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,507 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gulfport metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $27,047 (2019) to $36,920 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,507 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,460 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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) | $27,557 – $33,081 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,081 – $39,146 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,146 – $42,041 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,041 – $114,343 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Gulfport
In Gulfport, the 80 massage therapists currently employed face a cost of living index of 90.006, indicating that expenses are below the national average, which can affect their overall purchasing power. While franchise jobs may pay lower rates, options within chiropractic clinics, physical therapy practices, and upscale spas may present more lucrative opportunities. Factors contributing to income variation include tips, which can add an additional 15-25% to session fees, and specialization in areas like sports or prenatal massage that command higher prices. To maximize earnings in this market, self-employed therapists should focus on building a brand and customer loyalty, while those considering employment at a franchise might benefit from supplementary income through tips and promotions. Understanding the dynamics of massage therapist pay in Gulfport, MS, is crucial for evaluating career choices in this profession.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
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 $36,920 for massage therapistsin the Gulfport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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