Massage Therapist Salary in Leland, NC: $60,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Leland, NC earns a median $60,228/year (≈ $28.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Leland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $64,346 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leland, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $60,228, which is slightly below the national median of $61,975. This local salary reflects a broader range of earnings, with figures extending from $38,431 at the 10th percentile to $93,354 at the 90th percentile. While these estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional living costs, suggest a competitive pay scale, they also highlight the nuances of the local job market. Many massage therapists in Leland may supplement their income through tips, commonly ranging from 15% to 25% per session at various spas and establishments. This additional income can greatly impact overall earnings, making employment at local spas or high-end resorts an attractive option for many practitioners.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,431 | $18.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,876 | $22.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,228 | $28.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,092 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,354 | $44.88 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
In Leland, NC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,923 (2026 est.). At $60,228, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leland Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Leland median: $60,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,831 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -2.82% less |
Massage Therapists in Leland, NC earn a median of $60,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $64,831.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leland 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.
Leland, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $60,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,346 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,613
2025 BLS Actual
$56,803
2026 Current Est.
$60,228
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,613 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,588 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,751 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,505 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leland metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $41,613 (2019) to $56,803 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,247 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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) | $38,431 – $46,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,876 – $60,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,228 – $77,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,092 – $93,354 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Leland
When analyzing the employment landscape, it's noteworthy that there are currently only six massage therapists employed in Leland, NC, which points to a tightly-knit job market. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for massage therapists is somewhat favorable compared to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. However, the difference in pay across various employment types is significant. Therapists working in high-end or specialized settings, such as chiropractic clinics and upscale spas, tend to earn considerably more than their counterparts in franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which typically offer lower hourly rates. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Leland, focusing on self-employment or specializing in niche areas—such as oncology or sports massage—may yield returns that significantly exceed the average salary for massage therapists in the region.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $56,803 for massage therapistsin the Leland 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 Leland 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