Massage Therapist Salary in Hilton Head Island, SC: $65,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Hilton Head Island, SC earns a median $65,866/year (≈ $31.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Hilton Head Island's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.0), that paycheck buys what $67,199 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the compensation for massage therapists reaches a noteworthy median annual salary of $65,866, surpassing the national average of $61,975 by 6.28%. The salary for this occupation ranges significantly from $18,131 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $108,999 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights a diverse salary landscape influenced by employment type. Franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically provide steady bookings but often offer lower pay rates compared to independent and self-employed therapists who can command higher fees for their services. This market dynamic reflects Hilton Head Island's unique job environment, where the demand for therapeutic services aligns with the area's hospitality-driven economy.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18,131 | $8.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,030 | $18.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,866 | $31.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,351 | $50.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,999 | $52.40 |
Median Salary Position
6.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilton Head Island
In Hilton Head Island, SC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,868 (2026 est.). At $65,866, the local median is 6.28% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilton Head Island: You'd be above the median
How Hilton Head Island Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Hilton Head Island median: $65,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilton Head Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $63,333 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +6.28% more |
Massage Therapists in Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $65,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.28% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% above the South Carolina state average of $63,333.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilton Head Island has a cost of living 1.98% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilton Head Island, SC has a cost-of-living index of 98.017 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $65,866 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,199 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.02% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,430
2025 BLS Actual
$62,120
2026 Current Est.
$65,866
2019–2027 Growth
+102.8%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilton Head Island metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 80.4% from $34,430 (2019) to $62,120 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,408 (102.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilton Head Island 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) | $18,131 – $39,030 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,030 – $65,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,866 – $105,351 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,351 – $108,999 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Hilton Head Island
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 140 massage therapists employed in Hilton Head Island, SC, contributing to a competitive landscape. The cost of living index sits at 98.017, suggesting that while salaries may be higher than the national median, the purchasing power for therapists is influenced by local living expenses. Among various employers, high-end spas often yield the best pay, with chiropractic clinics and integrative medicine programs also providing competitive wages. The substantial pay gap in this field is driven by numerous factors, including tips—often 15-25% of service fees at spas—and the specialty of services offered. For therapists aiming to maximize their pay in this market, focusing on developing specialized skills can enhance earning potential. Additionally, building a solid clientele through effective marketing strategies as a self-employed practitioner can lead to greater financial success in the vibrant economy of Hilton Head Island.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Hilton Head Island, SC in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Hilton Head Island?
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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 $62,120 for massage therapistsin the Hilton Head Island 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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