Massage Therapist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $62,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $62,884/year (≈ $30.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning potential for massage therapists in Suffolk, Virginia, is promising, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $62,884, slightly above the national median of $61,975. In this city, salaries range from a lower 10th percentile of $38,248 to an upper 90th percentile of $97,470, indicating a diverse opportunity for practitioners. These figures, which are informed by 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, reflect the unique balance a massage therapist faces between the potential for cash-pay sessions and the burdens of overhead and marketing for self-employed practitioners. As Suffolk's market evolves, therapists must navigate both self-employment and traditional employment routes to capitalize on their skills effectively.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,248 | $18.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,850 | $23.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,884 | $30.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,492 | $38.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,470 | $46.87 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,222 (2026 est.). At $62,884, the local median is 1.47% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $62,884/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,972 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +1.47% more |
Massage Therapists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $62,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $63,972.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,884 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,934 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,449
2025 BLS Actual
$59,308
2026 Current Est.
$62,884
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,449 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,592 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,122 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $43,449 (2019) to $59,308 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,227 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $38,248 – $47,850 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,850 – $62,884 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,884 – $80,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,492 – $97,470 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Suffolk
A closer look at the local job market reveals there are currently 15 employed massage therapists in Suffolk, which presents a competitive atmosphere for job seekers. The cost of living in this area, with a CoL index of 103.2, slightly exceeds the national average, impacting the purchasing power of earnings. Employers offering the highest compensation typically include upscale spas and clinics that cater to niche markets like sports medicine or holistic health, whereas franchise chains like Massage Envy may provide steady bookings but with lower pay per service. The disparity in earnings among massage therapists is influenced by factors such as specialization, the tips received (which can account for 15-25% of session fees), and the operational costs associated with self-employment. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on developing a strong client base, pursuing specialized certifications, and discerning the right employment opportunity can be effective strategies in the Suffolk market.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Suffolk?
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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 $59,308 for massage therapistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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