Personal Care & Fitness Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Massage Therapist Salary in Maryland

The median massage therapist salary in Maryland is $54,846 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,860.

Median Salary
$54,846
vs National
+$4,986
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Massage Therapist Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for massage therapist compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for massage therapists seeking high pay. At $54,846 per year, massage therapists in Maryland earn $4,986 more than the national median of $49,860.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $54,846 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $49,860.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: massage therapists at the 10th percentile earn $30,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $96,800 — a $66,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $60,829.

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Maryland and beyond.

Massage Therapist Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,200 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,100
+$5,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,200
+$8,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $30,800
25th Percentile $39,600
Median (50th) $54,846
75th Percentile $74,800
90th Percentile $96,800

Massage Therapist Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for massage therapists in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Maryland

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Maryland has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook in Maryland

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Maryland's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Maryland

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Maryland? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Maryland is $54,846 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,846, a massage therapist in Maryland earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for massage therapists? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for massage therapist pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level massage therapists earn $33,000, while senior professionals earn $90,200.
How does Maryland compare to other states for massage therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for massage therapists is Hawaii at $84,762. Maryland's median of $54,846 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($57,339) and Connecticut ($55,843).
What is the entry-level massage therapist salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level massage therapist in Maryland earns approximately $33,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,200.
What city in Maryland pays massage therapists the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for massage therapists, with a median salary of $60,829. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.