Massage Therapist Salary in New Bern, NC: $63,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in New Bern, NC earns a median $63,605/year (≈ $30.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in New Bern's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $67,954 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For massage therapists working in New Bern, North Carolina, the median projected annual salary in 2026 is $63,605, which reflects a slightly higher pay level compared to the national median of $61,975. With a salary range from $36,891 at the lower end to $98,588 at the high end, this profession offers significant earning potential depending on the work environment and individual expertise. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data and account for regional price variances. In New Bern, many therapists supplement their income with tips, especially in spa environments, which can greatly enhance their overall earnings, making this a favorable market for skilled professionals in the field.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,891 | $17.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,649 | $22.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,605 | $30.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,415 | $39.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,588 | $47.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bern
In New Bern, NC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,697 (2026 est.). At $63,605, the local median is 2.63% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bern: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bern Massage Therapist Pay Compares
New Bern median: $63,605/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bern Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,837 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +2.63% more |
Massage Therapists in New Bern, NC earn a median of $63,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $64,837.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bern 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.
New Bern, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $63,605 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,954 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,947
2025 BLS Actual
$59,988
2026 Current Est.
$63,605
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,441 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bern metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $43,947 (2019) to $59,988 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,441 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,494 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bern 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) | $36,891 – $46,649 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,649 – $63,605 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,605 – $81,415 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,415 – $98,588 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in New Bern
As of 2025, New Bern employs seven massage therapists, indicating a niche local job market that may restrict competition but can also reflect limited overall job opportunities. The cost of living index here is 93.6, suggesting that while the salaries may be slightly above the national average, the purchasing power remains favorable for residents. Among local employers, franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often offer stable hours but typically provide lower pay than what self-employed therapists can earn. The disparity in salary is predominantly driven by the business model—self-employed professionals can achieve higher rates, especially when serving high-end clientele or specializing in fields like sports or prenatal massage. To maximize earnings in the New Bern area, therapists should consider developing a unique niche, focusing on direct client relationships, and exploring mobile services that often yield better income without the constraints of traditional employment.
More salary data for New Bern, 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 $59,988 for massage therapistsin the New Bern 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 New Bern 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