Massage Therapist Salary in Toms River, NJ: $70,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Toms River, NJ earns a median $70,389/year (≈ $33.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Toms River's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $61,102 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, NJ, massage therapists can expect a median annual salary of $70,389 in 2026, reflecting a competitive local market that offers opportunities for income growth. This figure surpasses the national median of $61,975, positioning Toms River as an attractive area for massage therapy professionals. Salary estimates show a broad range between $43,119 and $109,103, suggesting a diverse range of pay based heavily on experience, clientele, and practice type. The data, derived from BLS state-level figures and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicates that those willing to navigate the overhead and marketing responsibilities of self-employment can potentially earn significantly higher per-session rates. This competitive edge is crucial for therapists in Toms River looking to maximize their earning potential.
About the Toms River Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,119 | $20.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,790 | $25.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,389 | $33.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,098 | $43.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,103 | $52.45 |
Median Salary Position
13.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toms River
In Toms River, NJ, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,984 (2026 est.). At $70,389, the local median is 13.58% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Toms River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toms River Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Toms River median: $70,389/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toms River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $71,389 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +13.58% more |
Massage Therapists in Toms River, NJ earn a median of $70,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $71,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toms River has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Toms River, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,389 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,102 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,634
2025 BLS Actual
$66,386
2026 Current Est.
$70,389
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,634 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,386 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,634 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toms River metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $48,634 (2019) to $66,386 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,634 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,000 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toms River 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) | $43,119 – $53,790 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,790 – $70,389 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,389 – $90,098 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,098 – $109,103 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Toms River
Looking more closely at Toms River's employment landscape, there are currently 17 massage therapists in the area, a number that underscores both the specialization and demand for such services. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, practitioners need to be mindful of how this affects take-home income. Among local employers, franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay structures compared to high-end spas or self-employed practices, making it essential for therapists to assess their options carefully. Factors like tips, which can range from 15-25% of service fees, as well as specialization in areas such as oncology or sports therapy, can significantly influence earnings. To maximize income, massage therapists in Toms River should focus on building a loyal client base, enhancing their skills through additional certifications, and considering a blend of employed roles with freelance opportunities.
More salary data for Toms River, 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 $66,386 for massage therapistsin the Toms River 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 Toms River 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