Personal Care & Fitness Rhode Island (RI) Rank #13 of 50

Massage Therapist Salary in Rhode Island

The median massage therapist salary in Rhode Island is $52,353 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,860.

Median Salary
$52,353
vs National
+$2,493
State Rank
#13 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Massage Therapist Salary Overview in Rhode Island (2026)

Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for massage therapist compensation. Rhode Island falls in the middle of the pack for massage therapist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,353 per year, massage therapists in Rhode Island earn $2,493 more than the national median of $49,860.

Rhode Island's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning massage therapist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Rhode Island is significant: massage therapists at the 10th percentile earn $29,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,400 — a $63,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Rhode Island for this role is Providence, where the median reaches $53,849.

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 Rhode Island and beyond.

Massage Therapist Salary in Rhode Island by Experience

In Rhode Island, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The cost of living index in Rhode Island is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
+$1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,550
+$2,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Rhode Island

Percentile RI Salary
10th Percentile $29,400
25th Percentile $37,800
Median (50th) $52,353
75th Percentile $71,400
90th Percentile $92,400

Massage Therapist Salary by City in Rhode Island

The largest employment areas for massage therapists in Rhode Island include Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Rhode Island

Education

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

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook in Rhode Island

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Rhode Island

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Rhode Island? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Rhode Island is $52,353 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $29,400 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Rhode Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,353, a massage therapist in Rhode Island earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Rhode Island a good state for massage therapists? ▼
Rhode Island ranks #13 out of 50 states for massage therapist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level massage therapists earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $86,100.
How does Rhode Island compare to other states for massage therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for massage therapists is Hawaii at $84,762. Rhode Island's median of $52,353 ranks #13 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Colorado ($52,353) and New Hampshire ($52,353).
What is the entry-level massage therapist salary in Rhode Island? ▼
An entry-level massage therapist in Rhode Island earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $86,100.
What city in Rhode Island pays massage therapists the most? ▼
Providence is the highest paying city in Rhode Island for massage therapists, with a median salary of $53,849. Other cities include Warwick and Cranston.