Massage Therapist Salary in Delaware, OH: $58,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Delaware, OH earns a median $58,027/year (≈ $27.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Delaware's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $63,977 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $58,027, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $61,975. Within the local market, salaries range significantly from $33,982 at the lower end of the scale to $89,942 for those at the high end. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, emphasize the range of pay available for massage therapists. Tips from spa employers can significantly enhance overall earnings, often constituting up to 25% of session fees. This compensation, combined with a small but present workforce of 7 massage therapists in the area, paints a picture of a niche market where income can fluctuate considerably based on the type of employment and clientele.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,982 | $16.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,301 | $21.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,027 | $27.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,275 | $35.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,942 | $43.24 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Delaware
In Delaware, OH, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,960 (2026 est.). At $58,027, the local median is 6.37% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Delaware: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Delaware Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Delaware median: $58,027/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Delaware Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $58,791 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -6.37% less |
Massage Therapists in Delaware, OH earn a median of $58,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $58,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Delaware 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.
Delaware, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $58,027 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,977 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,093
2025 BLS Actual
$54,727
2026 Current Est.
$58,027
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,093 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,684 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,787 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $40,093 (2019) to $54,727 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,433 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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) | $33,982 – $45,301 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,301 – $58,027 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,027 – $74,275 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,275 – $89,942 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Delaware
The job market for massage therapy in Delaware is characterized by distinct layers of compensation, influenced by a cost of living index of 90.7, which suggests that living expenses in the area are below the national average. Most therapists find positions in spas, where pay tends to be lower yet consistent due to steady traffic, particularly in franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone. Meanwhile, those with self-employed practices can command higher hourly rates, potentially making $80-$150 per session directly from clients. The substantial gap in earnings often stems from various factors, including the reliance on tip income in spas versus fixed pay structures in clinics or high-end resorts. For therapists seeking to maximize their pay in Delaware, specializing in sought-after techniques such as prenatal or sports massage may provide an edge, alongside building a loyal client base through self-marketing initiatives.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Delaware, OH in 2026?
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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 $54,727 for massage therapistsin the Delaware 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 Delaware 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