Massage Therapist Salary in Apex, NC: $65,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Apex, NC earns a median $65,296/year (≈ $31.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Apex's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $69,761 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the massage therapist salary reflects a local market that offers a median annual income of $65,296, which is slightly above the national median of $61,975 for 2026. Within this market, salaries can vary significantly, with the lower tenth percentile earning $37,872 and those in the ninetieth percentile making up to $101,210. The local estimates come from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price differences, presenting a clear picture of the opportunities available to those in the profession. The job market in Apex displays a diverse range of employment types, from franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone that provide steady bookings but lower pay, to independent and self-employed practices where earning potential can significantly increase.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,872 | $18.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,118 | $24.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,296 | $31.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,579 | $40.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,210 | $48.66 |
Median Salary Position
5.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apex
In Apex, NC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,338 (2026 est.). At $65,296, the local median is 5.36% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apex: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Apex Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Apex median: $65,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apex Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,843 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +5.36% more |
Massage Therapists in Apex, NC earn a median of $65,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $64,843.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apex has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apex, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $65,296 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,761 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,115
2025 BLS Actual
$61,583
2026 Current Est.
$65,296
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,958 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,424 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,533 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,577 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,234 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apex metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $45,115 (2019) to $61,583 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,234 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,119 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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) | $37,872 – $50,118 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,118 – $65,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,296 – $83,579 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,579 – $101,210 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Apex
With 16 massage therapists currently employed in Apex, the competition for clients is more nuanced than in larger urban centers, particularly given the area's cost of living index of 93.6, which indicates a lower than average cost relative to national standards. This lower cost of living can enhance purchasing power for professionals. Among various employers, self-employed therapists often have the highest earning potential due to lower overhead and the ability to set premium rates for specialized services such as prenatal or sports massage. Franchise models may offer a steady income but typically present lower overall pay compared to independent practices. Leveraging tip income—often ranging from 15% to 25% of session fees—can also boost earnings. To maximize their pay, massage therapists in Apex should focus on building a strong client base and consider offering specialized services or transitioning into self-employment when ready.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Apex, NC in 2026?
Is Apex, NC a good place to work as a massage therapist?
Can massage therapists make $100K in Apex?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Apex?
How much does a massage therapist make per hour in Apex?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $61,583 for massage therapistsin the Apex 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 Apex 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