Massage Therapist Salary in Utica, NY: $65,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Utica, NY earns a median $65,888/year (≈ $31.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Utica's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $56,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a massage therapist in Utica, New York, can expect a median annual salary of $65,888, which is notably higher than the national median of $61,975 for the same year. This local figure reflects the unique dynamics of the region, particularly for those working in spas where tips can significantly augment income. The salary range for massage therapists in this city spans from approximately $38,432 at the lower percentiles to around $102,127 at the upper end, illustrating the diversity of pay within the profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data with adjustments for regional cost factors, highlight Utica's competitive market, providing a lucrative opportunity for qualified massage therapists who emphasize client satisfaction and retention.
About the Utica Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,432 | $18.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,902 | $23.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,888 | $31.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,336 | $40.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,127 | $49.10 |
Median Salary Position
6.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,695 (2026 est.). At $65,888, the local median is 6.31% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Utica Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Utica median: $65,888/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $68,066 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +6.31% more |
Massage Therapists in Utica, NY earn a median of $65,888 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.31% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the New York state average of $68,066.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,888 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,849 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,524
2025 BLS Actual
$62,141
2026 Current Est.
$65,888
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,375 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,872 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,009 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,861 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $45,524 (2019) to $62,141 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,861 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,337 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica 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) | $38,432 – $48,902 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,902 – $65,888 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,888 – $84,336 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,336 – $102,127 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Utica
As of now, there are about 10 massage therapists employed in Utica, highlighting a niche market with limited competition. The cost of living index in Utica is 115.9, indicating that while salaries may appear attractive, the purchasing power is impacted by local living expenses. Among employers, spas and wellness centers typically offer the most consistent wage structures, yet self-employed practitioners can achieve higher earnings, often charging clients directly and bypassing typical employer constraints. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to tips, which boost income by 15-25% at spas, alongside expertise in specialized areas like oncology or sports massage that command higher rates. For therapists aiming to maximize their massage therapist pay in Utica, focusing on building a loyal client base, utilizing effective marketing strategies, and considering mobile or in-home services can yield significant benefits.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 $62,141 for massage therapistsin the Utica 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 Utica 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