Senior Massage Therapist Salary in Burlington, VT: $81,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of massage therapists working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,537/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9011. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $78,780 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Vermont, senior massage therapists can expect to see significant earning potential, with top earners (P90) projected to make $81,537 in 2026. This figure exemplifies the considerable income gap between top-tier professionals and the median salary of $52,605. Reaching higher compensation levels typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, extensive experience, and specialization in lucrative areas, including deep tissue or sports massage along with a strong local client base. Such dedication to honing their craft allows seasoned massage therapists to navigate the competitive landscape more effectively and secure a position among the highest earners in the field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced massage therapists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $67,334 and $81,537 per year (2026 est.). This $49,107 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $52,605 sits 15.12% below the US median.
Top LMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $52,605 | $61,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,334 | $83,043 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,537 | $106,242 |
In Burlington, experienced massage therapists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Massage Therapist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT massage therapists with additional specialty certifications within the massage therapy field earn significantly above the $52,605 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Massage Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the massage therapy field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,334–$81,537 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced massage therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured massage therapists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Massage Therapists in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Massage Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Massage Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Massage Therapist
5-10 yearsMassage Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner massage therapist salary (90th percentile: $81,537).
Top 10% massage therapist compensation in Burlington ($81,537) is 1.57% above the Vermont average P90 ($80,276).
2019 BLS Actual
$97,150
2025 BLS Actual
$76,900
2026 Current Est.
$81,537
2019–2027 Growth
+-11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,150 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,555 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,454 | Projected |
Top-earning massage therapists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow -20.8% from $97,150 in 2019 to $76,900 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $86,454 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Massage Therapist Earnings in Burlington
Compensation strategies for senior massage therapists in Burlington can vary significantly depending on the employer type. Those aligned with franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone may face lower pay scales due to operational structures that capitalize on volume but often generate less income for individual therapists. Conversely, self-employed practitioners could command higher fees per session, even reaching $150 for specialized services, although they assume all overhead and marketing responsibilities. Competing in the job market might also involve pursuing specialized certifications that enhance skills, such as myofascial release or oncology massage, as these are often rewarded with premium compensation. Leadership and advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead therapist or opening a mobile practice, can also provide pathways toward higher earnings. With mentorship or teaching opportunities available, experienced professionals who invest in continuing education and credentialing with organizations like NCBTMB can further elevate their earning potential in the Burlington market.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced massage therapists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher massage therapist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost massage therapist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced massage therapists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does massage therapist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $76,900 for massage therapists in the Burlington metro area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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