Personal Care & Fitness Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Massage Therapist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median massage therapist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $48,863 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$48,863
vs State Avg
$-2,991
vs National
$-997
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median massage therapist salary of $48,863, which is $2,991 below the Virginia state average of $51,854. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for massage therapists in Chesapeake spans from $27,440 at the 10th percentile to $86,240 at the 90th percentile — a $58,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,360. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Massage Therapist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,980
$-1,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $27,440
25th Percentile $35,280
Median (50th) $48,863
75th Percentile $66,640
90th Percentile $86,240

Massage Therapist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$65,815
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$50,857
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$49,860
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$47,866
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Chesapeake

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open massage therapist positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $48,863 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $27,440 (10th percentile) to $86,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,863, a massage therapist in Chesapeake earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median massage therapist salary of $48,863 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $51,854. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $48,863 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in Chesapeake 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.