Massage Therapist Salary in Chillicothe, OH: $55,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Chillicothe, OH earns a median $55,326/year (≈ $26.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Chillicothe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $60,999 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a massage therapist in Chillicothe, Ohio can expect a median annual salary of $55,326, which reflects a modest decrease of approximately 10.73% when compared to the national average of $61,975. The local salary range is notably broad, spanning from $32,089 at the lower end to $85,756 at the upper tier, indicating a varied landscape for earnings in the field. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data coupled with regional economic factors. While many therapists find stable employment in clinics or spas, those who venture into self-employment have the potential to earn significantly more through private practice. This can lead to cash-pay opportunities that often outweigh conventional salary structures, although it comes with the increased burden of marketing and overhead costs.
About the Chillicothe Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,089 | $15.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,002 | $21.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,326 | $26.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,817 | $34.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,756 | $41.22 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chillicothe
In Chillicothe, OH, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,667 (2026 est.). At $55,326, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chillicothe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chillicothe Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Chillicothe median: $55,326/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chillicothe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $58,733 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -10.73% less |
Massage Therapists in Chillicothe, OH earn a median of $55,326 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.80% below the Ohio state average of $58,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chillicothe has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chillicothe, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $55,326 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,999 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,227
2025 BLS Actual
$52,180
2026 Current Est.
$55,326
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Chillicothe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,227 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,663 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chillicothe metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $38,227 (2019) to $52,180 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,436 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chillicothe 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) | $32,089 – $44,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,002 – $55,326 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,326 – $70,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,817 – $85,756 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Chillicothe
The job market in Chillicothe features a relatively small pool, with only six massage therapists currently employed in the area, presenting certain challenges and advantages. With a cost-of-living index at 90.7, which is lower than the national average, therapists' take-home pay is somewhat bolstered, allowing for better purchasing power despite earning less than their counterparts elsewhere. Employers in the area vary in salary offerings; typically, franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone offer lower pay-per-session compared to specialized chiropractic or physical therapy clinics that may provide higher wages for targeted therapies. This disparity in earnings is further influenced by factors such as tips, which can range from 15-25% of service charges at spas, as well as specialty services like oncology or sports therapy. For those in the Chillicothe market looking to maximize their compensation, developing a strong client base, potentially venturing into mobile or in-home services, and considering specialty certifications will be essential strategies for success.
More salary data for Chillicothe, OH:
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 $52,180 for massage therapistsin the Chillicothe 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 Chillicothe 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