Massage Therapist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $49,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Cleveland, TN earns a median $49,740/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Cleveland's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $54,183 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist salary in Cleveland, TN, is projected at a median of $49,740, which remains below the national median of $61,975, reflecting a significant disparity of nearly 20%. The salary range for massage therapists in this area spans from $30,769 at the 10th percentile to $77,097 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse marketplace where compensation can vary widely based on experience and employment type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 with adjustments for local cost of living conditions in Cleveland. Given the local economy and the demand for wellness services, those employed in higher-end spas or as self-employed therapists may find more lucrative opportunities in this region compared to those working in lower-paying environments.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,769 | $14.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,157 | $18.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,740 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,667 | $30.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,097 | $37.07 |
Median Salary Position
19.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
In Cleveland, TN, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,328 (2026 est.). At $49,740, the local median is 19.74% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Cleveland median: $49,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,911 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -19.74% less |
Massage Therapists in Cleveland, TN earn a median of $49,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.74% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.30% below the Tennessee state average of $50,911.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $49,740 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,183 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,367
2025 BLS Actual
$46,911
2026 Current Est.
$49,740
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,367 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,739 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $34,367 (2019) to $46,911 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,739 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,372 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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) | $30,769 – $38,157 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,157 – $49,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,740 – $63,667 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,667 – $77,097 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Cleveland
With just 10 massage therapists reported as employed in Cleveland, the job market remains somewhat limited, yet it offers unique opportunities for dedicated professionals. The cost of living index in the area stands at 91.8, offering an advantageous environment for take-home pay despite the lower salary figures. Employers such as upscale spas tend to offer higher compensation, while franchise chains like Massage Envy may provide more security but often come with lower pay scales. The gap between high and low salaries is influenced by numerous factors, including whether a therapist is self-employed or part of a larger organization, the potential for additional tip income, and the presence of specialized skills in areas like oncology or sports therapy. To maximize income in this market, pursuing specialties and building a strong client base as a self-employed practitioner can significantly enhance earning potential in Cleveland, TN.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
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 $46,911 for massage therapistsin the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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