Massage Therapist Salary in Tacoma, WA: $98,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Tacoma, WA earns a median $98,235/year (≈ $47.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $91,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.2% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Tacoma, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $98,235, significantly higher than the national average of $61,975. This local figure reflects a full salary range from $56,976 at the 10th percentile to $152,263 at the 90th. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that therapists working in this area are well-compensated. The potential for additional income through tips in spa settings is notable, often adding an extra layer to overall earnings. Thus, the job market in Tacoma rewards skilled professionals, particularly when they navigate various employment scenarios, from high-end spa jobs to self-employed practices.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,976 | $27.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,815 | $34.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,235 | $47.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,740 | $60.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152,263 | $73.20 |
Median Salary Position
58.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,287 (2026 est.). At $98,235, the local median is 58.51% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $98,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $86,780 | +13.20% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +58.51% more |
Massage Therapists in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $98,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 58.51% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 13.20% above the Washington state average of $86,780.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $98,235 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,466 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,873
2025 BLS Actual
$92,648
2026 Current Est.
$98,235
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,356 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,671 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $67,873 (2019) to $92,648 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,285 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $56,976 – $71,815 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,815 – $98,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,235 – $125,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,740 – $152,263 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Tacoma
The local job market for massage therapists in Tacoma boasts around 56 professionals currently employed. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the purchasing power of the salary reflects the area's relatively higher living expenses. Among the different types of employers, self-employed therapists and those in high-end spas generally come with the highest pay potential. The considerable spread between the pay of employed therapists and self-employed professionals often stems from differences in overhead costs and booking consistency. Franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay but may provide steady client bookings. To maximize earnings in this market, therapists should consider specializing in lucrative areas such as sports or prenatal massage, and investing in a strong client network can lead to loyal clientele and better income stability.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
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 $92,648 for massage therapistsin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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