Massage Therapist Salary in Lima, OH: $57,803 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Lima, OH earns a median $57,803/year (≈ $27.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Lima's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $63,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Lima, Ohio, can expect a median annual salary of $57,803, which is slightly below the national average of $61,975. The salary range for this profession in Lima varies widely, from $36,444 at the lower end (P10) to $89,595 at the top (P90). Many massage therapists in the area are likely to find that employment within franchise chains, such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, tends to offer lower pay compared to independent or self-employed practitioners. However, franchise positions often provide more consistent client bookings. This pay gradient highlights the choices available within the local job market and the potential for growth and stability in the profession.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,444 | $17.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,851 | $21.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,803 | $27.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,988 | $35.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,595 | $43.08 |
Median Salary Position
6.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lima
In Lima, OH, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,151 (2026 est.). At $57,803, the local median is 6.73% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lima: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lima Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Lima median: $57,803/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lima Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $58,743 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -6.73% less |
Massage Therapists in Lima, OH earn a median of $57,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.60% below the Ohio state average of $58,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lima 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.
Lima, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $57,803 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,938
2025 BLS Actual
$54,516
2026 Current Est.
$57,803
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,938 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,753 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,587 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,257 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,803 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lima metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $39,938 (2019) to $54,516 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,351 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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) | $36,444 – $44,851 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,851 – $57,803 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,803 – $73,988 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,988 – $89,595 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Lima
The job market for massage therapists in Lima currently employs around eight professionals, reflecting a niche but solid demand for these services. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, which is notably below the national average, the purchasing power for earnings is relatively favorable, allowing therapists to enjoy a better quality of life on their salaries. Franchise chains typically provide lower compensation compared to self-employed positions, where therapists can significantly increase their earnings through tips that range from 15-25% of the service fee, especially in high-end or specialty service sectors. Given the market dynamics, those looking to maximize their massage therapist pay in Lima, OH, should consider building a loyal client base as self-employed practitioners or seeking specialization in areas such as sports or prenatal massage, where pay premiums can be realized.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Lima, OH in 2026?
Is Lima, OH a good place to work as a massage therapist?
Can massage therapists make $100K in Lima?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Lima?
How much does a massage therapist make per hour in Lima?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 $54,516 for massage therapistsin the Lima 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 Lima 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