Massage Therapist Salary in Burlington, VT: $52,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Burlington, VT earns a median $52,605/year (≈ $25.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $50,826 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Burlington, Vermont, stands at $52,605, reflecting a notable difference of nearly 15.12% below the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, stretching from $32,430 at the 10th percentile to $81,537 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, which indicates a market that can reward skilled therapists considerably, especially those who operate on a self-employed basis. However, self-employment comes with the burden of overhead costs and marketing efforts, making it imperative for massage therapists in Burlington to carefully strategize their business approach.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,430 | $15.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,396 | $19.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,605 | $25.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,334 | $32.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,537 | $39.20 |
Median Salary Position
15.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, VT, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,107 (2026 est.). At $52,605, the local median is 15.12% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Burlington median: $52,605/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $54,797 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -15.12% less |
Massage Therapists in Burlington, VT earn a median of $52,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% below the Vermont state average of $54,797.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,605 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,826 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,950
2025 BLS Actual
$49,613
2026 Current Est.
$52,605
2019–2027 Growth
+43.2%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,661 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,777 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 27.4% from $38,950 (2019) to $49,613 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,777 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,827 (43.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $32,430 – $40,396 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,396 – $52,605 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,605 – $67,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,334 – $81,537 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Burlington
The local job market for massage therapists in Burlington is relatively small, with only 10 individuals currently employed in the field. Given the cost of living index of 103.5, which is slightly above the national average, it’s essential for practitioners to consider how this affects their purchasing power. Among the various employment settings in Burlington, wellness centers and spas, such as Massage Envy and Elements, typically provide lower pay scales compared to self-employed practices, which can potentially clear significantly higher session fees. To maximize earnings, therapists might focus on specialized skills—like prenatal or sports massage—that command higher rates. Tipping can also enhance revenue, with many clients accustomed to offering 15-25% of the session fee at spas. Understanding the dynamics of the local market and strategically positioning oneself—whether through self-promotion or aligning with high-end spas—can greatly impact the massage therapist pay in Burlington, VT.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
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 $49,613 for massage therapistsin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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