Personal Care & Fitness South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Massage Therapist Salary in South Carolina

The median massage therapist salary in South Carolina is $44,375 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $49,860.

Median Salary
$44,375
vs National
$-5,485
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Massage Therapist Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for massage therapist compensation. Massage Therapist salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,375 per year, massage therapists in South Carolina earn $5,485 less than the national median of $49,860.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $44,375 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: massage therapists at the 10th percentile earn $24,920, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $78,320 — a $53,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $52,353.

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 South Carolina and beyond.

Massage Therapist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $26,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,980 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,700
$-3,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,390
$-5,610 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,980
$-9,020 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $44,375? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $24,920
25th Percentile $32,040
Median (50th) $44,375
75th Percentile $60,520
90th Percentile $78,320

Massage Therapist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for massage therapists in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 151,400 other Massage Therapists.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Massage Therapist Roles in South Carolina?

Get matched with recruiters hiring massage therapists in South Carolina at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Massage Therapist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in South Carolina is $44,375 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $24,920 (10th percentile) to $78,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,375, a massage therapist in South Carolina earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for massage therapists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for massage therapist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level massage therapists earn $26,700, while senior professionals earn $72,980.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for massage therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for massage therapists is Hawaii at $84,762. South Carolina's median of $44,375 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($44,874) and Iowa ($44,375).
What is the entry-level massage therapist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level massage therapist in South Carolina earns approximately $26,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,390. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,980.
What city in South Carolina pays massage therapists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for massage therapists, with a median salary of $52,353. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.