Massage Therapist Salary in Bristol, VA: $61,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Bristol, VA earns a median $61,503/year (≈ $29.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $59,596 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Bristol, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $61,503, which is slightly below the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this profession in the area is quite broad, starting from $37,685 at the 10th percentile and reaching up to $95,329 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and account for regional price parities, highlighting the significant variances in income potential within the field. It's essential for therapists to consider their employment environment; those working in spas often benefit from tips, which can substantially enhance earnings. Therefore, understanding how the local job market operates will play a key role in a therapist's financial success in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,685 | $18.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,735 | $22.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,503 | $29.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,723 | $37.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,329 | $45.84 |
Median Salary Position
0.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,644 (2026 est.). At $61,503, the local median is 0.76% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $61,503/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,932 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -0.76% less |
Massage Therapists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $61,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.76% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.80% below the Virginia state average of $63,932.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,503 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,596 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$42,494
2025 BLS Actual
$58,005
2026 Current Est.
$61,503
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,494 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,211 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,494 (2019) to $58,005 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,211 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,717 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $37,685 – $46,735 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,735 – $61,503 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,503 – $78,723 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,723 – $95,329 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Bristol
In Bristol, the local market is relatively small, with only six massage therapists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that prices are slightly higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among the different employer types, spas like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower base pay compared to self-employed therapists, who can charge higher rates for direct-pay services. The disparity in earnings is influenced by various factors, including overhead costs for self-employed practitioners and the typical tip income from spa clients, which can account for 15-25% of the session fee. Moreover, therapists who specialize in high-demand areas such as oncology or sports massage often command a premium. To maximize their income in Bristol, therapists should strategically consider employment opportunities, tap into specialty services, and leverage their client networks to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
Is Bristol, VA a good place to work as a massage therapist?
Can massage therapists make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Bristol?
How much does a massage therapist make per hour in Bristol?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $58,005 for massage therapistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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