Massage Therapist Salary in Lorain, OH: $59,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Lorain, OH earns a median $59,396/year (≈ $28.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $65,486 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, massage therapists can anticipate a median salary of $59,396 in 2026, which reflects a modest deviation from the national median of $61,975. The salary landscape for this profession in the area varies significantly, with a range from $34,449 at the lower end (P10) to $92,064 at the top end (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Typically, those employed by franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone earn less compared to their independent and self-employed counterparts, who often have greater earning potential due to higher pay-per-session rates without corporate deductions. This dynamic contributes to the overall job market for massage therapists in Lorain, OH, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making regarding employment environments.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,449 | $16.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,880 | $22.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,396 | $28.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,027 | $36.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,064 | $44.26 |
Median Salary Position
4.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,615 (2026 est.). At $59,396, the local median is 4.16% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lorain Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Lorain median: $59,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $58,750 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | -4.16% less |
Massage Therapists in Lorain, OH earn a median of $59,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $58,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain 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.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $59,396 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,486 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,038
2025 BLS Actual
$56,018
2026 Current Est.
$59,396
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,038 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,805 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,958 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,785 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,977 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $41,038 (2019) to $56,018 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,977 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,939 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $34,449 – $45,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,880 – $59,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,396 – $76,027 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,027 – $92,064 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Lorain
In the local job market, there are currently 12 massage therapists employed in Lorain, which reveals a relatively small yet steady workforce. Given the cost of living index of 90.7, professionals in this field should be mindful of their take-home purchasing power, as it reflects a cost that is below the national average. Among the various potential employers, franchises generally offer lower salaries compared to high-end spas or independent practices, where therapists can capitalize on tips and specialized services like oncology or sports massage. Additionally, self-employed practitioners can achieve significantly higher hourly rates—typically between $80-$150 per session—though they also assume full responsibility for their business expenses. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Lorain, pursuing niche specialties and considering independent practice could enhance overall compensation in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
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 $56,018 for massage therapistsin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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