Massage Therapist Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $61,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $61,144/year (≈ $29.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $62,776 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, can expect a median annual salary of $61,144, slightly below the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this profession varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $35,464 and experienced therapists earning as much as $94,774. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account local economic conditions and cost-of-living adjustments. For self-employed therapists, the potential for higher earnings exists but comes with the challenge of managing overhead costs and marketing efforts, especially in a city where demand for holistic and alternative therapies may fluctuate.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,464 | $17.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,106 | $21.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,144 | $29.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,265 | $37.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,774 | $45.56 |
Median Salary Position
1.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,310 (2026 est.). At $61,144, the local median is 1.34% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilkes-Barre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilkes-Barre Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $61,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $62,139 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -1.34% less |
Massage Therapists in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $61,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $62,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $61,144 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,776 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,246
2025 BLS Actual
$57,667
2026 Current Est.
$61,144
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,246 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,008 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,246 (2019) to $57,667 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,585 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $35,464 – $45,106 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,106 – $61,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,144 – $78,265 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,265 – $94,774 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Wilkes-Barre
The local job market currently has 11 massage therapists, which indicates a niche but steady demand for services. With a cost-of-living index of 97.4, Wilkes-Barre offers a reasonably affordable environment, impacting overall take-home pay. Among local employers, franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often provide lower compensation compared to independent practices, where therapists can take home more substantial earnings especially when factoring in tips, which typically range from 15% to 25% of session fees. Additionally, specialization in oncology, sports, or prenatal therapy can command premium rates. For those looking to maximize their massage therapist pay in Wilkes-Barre, focusing on building a strong client base through self-employment and offering specialized services can lead to more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
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 $57,667 for massage therapistsin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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