Massage Therapist Salary in Fairfax, VA: $61,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Fairfax, VA earns a median $61,061/year (≈ $29.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $59,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Fairfax, Virginia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $61,061, a figure that reflects a competitive local market when compared to the national median of $61,975. With salaries ranging from $36,384 at the 10th percentile to $94,643 at the 90th percentile, these figures indicate the potential for significant earnings for skilled practitioners in varied settings. While employed therapists may enjoy the stability of a paycheck, self-employed professionals have the opportunity to maximize their income by charging cash-pay rates directly to clients, often between $80 to $150 per session. However, this independence comes at the cost of managing overhead and marketing efforts, which can significantly impact overall take-home pay in Fairfax's dynamic job market.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,384 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,842 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,061 | $29.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,158 | $37.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,643 | $45.50 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,259 (2026 est.). At $61,061, the local median is 1.47% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $61,061/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,938 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -1.47% less |
Massage Therapists in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $61,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $63,938.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,061 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,168 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,189
2025 BLS Actual
$57,588
2026 Current Est.
$61,061
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,189 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,218 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,494 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,743 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,189 (2019) to $57,588 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,743 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,554 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $36,384 – $45,842 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,842 – $61,061 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,061 – $78,158 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,158 – $94,643 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Fairfax
The local job landscape in Fairfax includes only four massage therapists currently employed, which reflects both a niche market and the potential for skilled individuals to establish their practice. The cost-of-living index at 103.2 indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting how far salaries stretch in terms of purchasing power. Among various employment opportunities, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics typically offer higher pay compared to franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which often pay less but provide more consistent client bookings. The disparity in income can be attributed to factors such as specialty services, tip income from spa clients, and the employment structure distinguishing self-employed therapists from those in clinics or franchise positions. For those seeking to maximize their massage therapist pay in Fairfax, establishing a strong local client base and focusing on higher-end services or specialties can greatly enhance financial outcomes.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $57,588 for massage therapistsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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