Personal Care & Fitness Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Massage Therapist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median massage therapist salary in Arlington, VA is $65,815 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$65,815
vs State Avg
+$13,961
vs National
+$15,955
Cost of Living
132%

Massage Therapist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median massage therapist salary of $65,815, which is $13,961 above the Virginia state average of $51,854. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $65,815 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,860. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for massage therapists in Arlington spans from $36,960 at the 10th percentile to $116,160 at the 90th percentile — a $79,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,240. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Massage Therapist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
+$9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,320
+$16,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,240
+$26,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $65,815
75th Percentile $89,760
90th Percentile $116,160

Massage Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Arlington

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia 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 Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open massage therapist positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $65,815 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $116,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,815, a massage therapist in Arlington earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
Arlington's median massage therapist salary of $65,815 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $51,854. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $65,815 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Arlington? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in Arlington 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.