Massage Therapist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $52,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Norfolk, NE earns a median $52,812/year (≈ $25.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $57,718 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected compensation for massage therapists in Norfolk, NE is projected to reach a median annual salary of $52,812, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975. Salaries for massage therapists in this area differ significantly based on employment type, with a full range from $33,727 at the 10th percentile up to $81,859 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. The pay scale often reflects the disparity between therapists employed at franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which typically offer stable work but lower hourly rates, and independent practitioners who may capitalize on their services with higher earnings but face the uncertainties of self-employment.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,727 | $16.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,292 | $19.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,812 | $25.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,600 | $32.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,859 | $39.36 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,132 (2026 est.). At $52,812, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $52,812/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $56,727 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -14.78% less |
Massage Therapists in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $52,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $56,727.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $52,812 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,718 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,490
2025 BLS Actual
$49,809
2026 Current Est.
$52,812
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,490 (2019) to $49,809 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,507 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $33,727 – $41,292 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,292 – $52,812 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,812 – $67,600 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,600 – $81,859 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Norfolk
While six massage therapists are currently employed in Norfolk, NE, the local job market remains competitive, particularly considering the area's cost-of-living index of 91.5, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average. This can impact take-home purchasing power for practitioners. Spas, franchise chains, and chiropractic or physical therapy clinics provide the bulk of employment, but earning potential varies. High-end resort spas often pay more than mid-tier establishments or franchises. The significant pay gap can stem from self-employed therapists benefiting from higher hourly charges, tip income, and specialized services. To maximize earnings in the Norfolk market, therapists should pursue niche specializations, cultivate robust client relationships, and consider self-employment, which typically offers greater financial rewards despite the inherent challenges of running a business.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Norfolk, NE in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Norfolk?
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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 $49,809 for massage therapistsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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