Massage Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $42,880 (2026)

Massage Therapist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median massage therapist salary of $42,880, which is $2,991 below the North Carolina state average of $45,871. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,880 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for massage therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for massage therapists in Winston-Salem spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Massage Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,860

$-7,140 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$24,080	$25,760	$28,000
25th Percentile	$30,960	$33,120	$36,000
Median (50th)	$42,880	$45,871	$49,860
75th Percentile	$58,480	$62,560	$68,000
90th Percentile	$75,680	$80,960	$88,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$24,080

25th Percentile

$30,960

Median (50th)

$42,880

75th Percentile

$58,480

90th Percentile

$75,680

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median massage therapist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $42,880 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).

How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,880, a massage therapist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for massage therapist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median massage therapist salary of $42,880 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $45,871. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $42,880 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most massage therapist positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Massage Techniques, Anatomy, Client Assessment, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.

Massage Therapist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina