Massage Therapist Salary in Lexington, SC: $59,795 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Lexington, SC earns a median $59,795/year (≈ $28.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,350 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Lexington, South Carolina, is $59,795, reflecting a competitive position in the regional job market despite being slightly lower than the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this occupation spans from $34,681 at the 10th percentile to $92,682 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay structure based on experience, specialization, and type of employment. The local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which is evident in Lexington's below-average cost of living index of 91.5. The compensation landscape for massage therapists in this area offers promising opportunities, especially for those navigating employment in various settings, including spas, clinics, and self-employed practices.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,681 | $16.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,093 | $21.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,795 | $28.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,537 | $36.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,682 | $44.55 |
Median Salary Position
3.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,001 (2026 est.). At $59,795, the local median is 3.52% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lexington Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Lexington median: $59,795/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $63,275 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -3.52% less |
Massage Therapists in Lexington, SC earn a median of $59,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.52% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $63,275.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $59,795 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,350 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,314
2025 BLS Actual
$56,394
2026 Current Est.
$59,795
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,314 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,260 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,299 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,795 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $41,314 (2019) to $56,394 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,086 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $34,681 – $44,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,093 – $59,795 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,795 – $76,537 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,537 – $92,682 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Lexington
As of 2026, the local market comprises only five employed massage therapists, suggesting a niche market that could be beneficial for aspiring massage professionals. Given the cost of living in Lexington, which favors a lower overhead, therapists need to consider how to maximize their earnings through strategic choices. Working in higher-paying environments such as chiropractic or physical therapy clinics or opting for specialized practices can significantly enhance pay potential. While spa employment might yield steady bookings, therapists should be aware of the substantial tips—often ranging from 15% to 25%—that can augment income. On the other hand, self-employed therapists potentially earn $80-$150 per hour for direct-pay services but must manage self-marketing and overhead costs. To thrive in this market, understanding the dynamics between franchise versus self-employed practices and honing a niche specialty can be key drivers for success in the massage therapy profession in Lexington, SC.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
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 $56,394 for massage therapistsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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