Massage Therapist Salary in Wilson, NC: $62,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Wilson, NC earns a median $62,175/year (≈ $29.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Wilson's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $66,426 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average massage therapist salary in Wilson, NC, is projected to reach $62,175, slightly exceeding the national average of $61,975. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, with lower earners making around $38,487 while top-tier therapists can earn up to $96,371 annually. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The presence of spas and wellness centers contributes to the earning potential, as therapists often benefit from generous tip income, which can enhance overall compensation significantly in this community reliant on service-oriented employment.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,487 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,667 | $22.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,175 | $29.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,584 | $38.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,371 | $46.34 |
Median Salary Position
0.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
In Wilson, NC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,884 (2026 est.). At $62,175, the local median is 0.32% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilson Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Wilson median: $62,175/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,833 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +0.32% more |
Massage Therapists in Wilson, NC earn a median of $62,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $64,833.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilson 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.
Wilson, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $62,175 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,426 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,958
2025 BLS Actual
$58,639
2026 Current Est.
$62,175
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,958 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,639 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilson metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,958 (2019) to $58,639 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,966 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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) | $38,487 – $47,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,667 – $62,175 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,175 – $79,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,584 – $96,371 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Wilson
The local job market in Wilson is relatively small, with only seven massage therapists currently employed in the area, reflecting both a localized demand for services and potential barriers for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, therapists have greater purchasing power compared to other regions, potentially bolstering their financial stability. Franchise locations such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often provide steady bookings, but their pay structure tends to be lower than what self-employed therapists can achieve. Successful independent practitioners often capitalize on their specialty skills, such as oncology or sports massage, which can command premium rates. Strategies for maximizing pay in Wilson include building a strong client base, focusing on high-quality service that garners tips, and considering self-employment to leverage higher hourly earnings.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
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 $58,639 for massage therapistsin the Wilson 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 Wilson 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