Massage Therapist Salary in Long Branch, NJ: $69,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Long Branch, NJ earns a median $69,660/year (≈ $33.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Long Branch's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $60,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Long Branch, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $69,660, significantly above the national median of $61,975. The local salary range spans from $40,403 at the lower end to as high as $107,972 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in this coastal city. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account the regional price parity which influences the compensation landscape. Given the high demand for spa services, it's essential for therapists working in this market to consider the substantial tip income often generated at spas, which can augment the overall earnings significantly.
About the Long Branch Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,403 | $19.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,655 | $24.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,660 | $33.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,164 | $42.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,972 | $51.91 |
Median Salary Position
12.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Branch
In Long Branch, NJ, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,569 (2026 est.). At $69,660, the local median is 12.4% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Branch: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Branch Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Long Branch median: $69,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Branch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $71,373 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +12.40% more |
Massage Therapists in Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $69,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $71,373.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Branch has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Branch, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,660 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,469 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,130
2025 BLS Actual
$65,698
2026 Current Est.
$69,660
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,169 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,698 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Branch metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $48,130 (2019) to $65,698 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,730 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Branch 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) | $40,403 – $50,655 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,655 – $69,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,660 – $89,164 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,164 – $107,972 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Long Branch
Evaluating the local job market, Long Branch currently employs only 8 massage therapists, highlighting a competitive environment for new entrants into the field. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the buying power of these salaries is vital, as it indicates that living expenses may be higher than the national average. Employers offering the highest pay include upscale spas, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics, as well as resorts. The large discrepancy between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to varying employment structures: self-employed practitioners may command higher session fees, but face increased marketing and overhead costs, while franchise chains tend to pay on a per-service rather than hourly basis. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Long Branch, focusing on building a loyal client base, specializing in niche areas, and effectively marketing oneself as a distinct service provider can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Long Branch, NJ:
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 $65,698 for massage therapistsin the Long Branch 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 Long Branch 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