Massage Therapist Salary in Rutland, VT: $50,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Rutland, VT earns a median $50,801/year (≈ $24.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Rutland's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $49,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapist salaries in Rutland, Vermont, are projected to reach a median of $50,801, which is significantly lower than the national median of $61,975. The salary range for massage therapists in the area varies widely, from $32,242 at the 10th percentile to $78,742 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different paths therapists can take within this profession. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, depict a market where self-employed therapists may have the potential to earn much more, often capturing cash-pay clients who pay directly for their services. However, this cash opportunity comes with the burden of overhead and marketing that employed therapists at established clinics do not face, making the decision between self-employment and working for a practice a substantial factor in overall earning potential.
About the Rutland Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,242 | $15.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,412 | $18.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,801 | $24.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,025 | $31.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,742 | $37.85 |
Median Salary Position
18.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rutland
In Rutland, VT, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,500 (2026 est.). At $50,801, the local median is 18.03% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rutland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rutland Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Rutland median: $50,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rutland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $54,802 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -18.03% less |
Massage Therapists in Rutland, VT earn a median of $50,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.30% below the Vermont state average of $54,802.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rutland has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rutland, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,801 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,083 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,100
2025 BLS Actual
$47,912
2026 Current Est.
$50,801
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rutland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rutland metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $35,100 (2019) to $47,912 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,764 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rutland 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) | $32,242 – $39,412 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,412 – $50,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,801 – $65,025 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,025 – $78,742 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Rutland
The local job market in Rutland currently employs only four massage therapists, indicating a relatively small community of professionals. Additionally, the cost-of-living index in Rutland is set at 103.5, meaning that living expenses are slightly higher than the national average. Within this context, those seeking the highest massage therapist pay in Rutland, VT, may find opportunities at higher-end spas, which often offer better compensation than franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. A significant disparity in earnings can arise from factors such as tip income—often 15-25% of service fees in spas—and specialization in areas such as sports or prenatal massage, which command premium rates. For those looking to maximize their income, establishing a successful self-employed practice or joining a reputable clinic with a robust clientele can lead to a more favorable financial outcome in this vibrant local market.
More salary data for Rutland, VT:
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 $47,912 for massage therapistsin the Rutland 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 Rutland 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