By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 29, 2026
Massage Therapy Degree and Career Guide
- Becoming a Massage Therapist
- Massage Therapy Schooling
- Online Programs
- Massage School Accreditation
- School Tuition
- State Boards of Massage
- Types of Massage
- Massage Therapist Duties
- Massage Therapist Salary
Massage Therapist Salary State Guides
Massage Therapy Salaries in South Carolina
South Carolina is a great place to consider becoming a massage therapist for two key reasons:
- South Carolina’s population growth—especially in cities like Charleston, Greenville and Myrtle Beach—drives demand for personal wellness services. The strong tourism industry also boosts the need for massage therapists in spas, resorts and hotels.
- High-end destinations such as Hilton Head Island attract wealthy residents and visitors who are willing to pay premium rates for massage services, making it a profitable location for skilled therapists.
Together, these factors create steady demand and strong earning potential in the state.
In this Article
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There are 1,500 people employed as massage therapists in South Carolina says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $30 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
While many massage therapists in South Carolina operate as self-employed practitioners, several major employers offer substantial opportunities within the state. Here are five employers of massage therapists in South Carolina, spanning various specialties and work environments:
- The Spa at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Charleston.
- A world-renowned luxury resort near Charleston, offering high-end spa services to affluent clientele.
- Massage Envy, Multiple locations.
- With multiple locations across South Carolina, including Columbia, Greenville and Charleston, Massage Envy is a major employer providing steady work in a clinical-style environment.
- Urban Nirvana, Charleston, multiple locations.
- A locally based chain with several locations in Charleston and other cities, offering a wide range of spa services and employing licensed massage therapists.
- Prisma Healthcare System, Greenville, Richland, multiple locations.
- One of South Carolina’s largest healthcare providers, employing massage therapists in rehabilitative and integrative health roles.
- Planet Fitness, Columbia, West Columbia, Rock Hill.
- Some Planet Fitness locations offer HydroMassage and employ or contract massage professionals to support recovery and wellness.
South Carolina’s population growth—especially in cities like Charleston, Greenville and Myrtle Beach—drives demand for personal wellness services.
Salary statistics for SC
South Carolina offers salaries for massage therapists that list above the national median, and far surpass even big states such as California and Florida for median wage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of South Carolina’s metro areas pay well over the median, with areas such as Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, paying over $81,000 annually.
In terms of work environment, self-employment tends to offer the highest income potential, because massage therapists set their own rates, keep a larger share of the income (vs. commissions), and can build a loyal client base, especially in affluent areas like Hilton Head or Charleston.
Luxury resort spa therapists are paid second best, but these environments may not offer the flexibility or full earning power of self-employment. However, they can pay higher hourly wages or commissions, plus tips, especially during peak tourism seasons.
Median massage therapist salary in South Carolina
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for massage therapists in South Carolina is $62,830, with variations depending on location, experience and specialization.
Here are median salaries specific to South Carolina at a state-level and by highest paying metro areas:
Massage Therapists
10%$17,870
25%$47,350
50%$62,830Median
75%$77,930
90%$98,550
Median Hourly Wage$30
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment1,500
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC | $81,630 | $18,570 | $137,300 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $64,380 | $18,800 | $101,070 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $63,490 | $22,180 | $96,980 |
| Columbia, SC | $59,980 | $18,040 | $95,060 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $49,840 | $17,490 | $133,250 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare nationally for fields that are similar to massage therapy:
Salary range for massage therapists in SC
According to the BLS, the salary range for massage therapists in South Carolina typically spans from $17,870 for the lowest 10% in the field to $98,550 for the highest 10% in the field per year.
What comprises the salary ranges?
The BLS lists percentiles to reflect wage distribution, and for massage therapists in South Carolina, this data can give a rough picture of career stage and skill level. Here’s what those percentiles typically represent:
Lowest 10% or entry-level:
- Recently licensed massage therapists (0–1 year experience).
- Often working part-time or on-call at chain spas or fitness centers.
- May still be building a client base.
- Often work hourly or on low commissions.
- Generally have completed the required 500–700 hours of massage therapy school and passed the MBLEx (licensing exam), but have minimal additional certifications.
Highest 10% or advanced level:
- Experienced therapists of over five years, often with specialized training, such as sports massage, medical massage or neuromuscular therapy.
- May be self-employed or work in high-end settings, such as resort spas, rehab clinics or private wellness studios.
- Have a strong, loyal client base and often charge premium rates.
- Might also offer additional services such as cupping, aromatherapy or bodywork.
Formal education is not necessarily a distinguishing factor, but continued skills training, certifications and business acumen are major factors that distinguish high earners.
Pay by metro area within South Carolina
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub or a high-demand area, such as Charleston or Hilton head Island, pay may be more competitive.
South Carolina is the 11th highest paying state in the U.S. and the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal metro area is the 12th highest paying area in the entire U.S. Here’s what the BLS designated as the top 10 metro areas for massage therapist pay:
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in South Carolina is expected to surpass the national average for the field, which is already higher than the average job growth rate for all professions combined, said the BLS.
15.4%
Job growth for massage therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
O*Net, which is a subsidiary of the BLS, said that South Carolina’s job growth rate for massage therapists will be 23% through 2032, which will add approximately 410 new massage therapists to the current field.
Factors that may affect your salary in South Carolina
Massage therapist pay in South Carolina is shaped by several state-specific factors, mostly related to regulation, demand and the local economy. Here are the key factors:
- Licensing requirements:
- While not stricter than other states, SC’s baseline licensing requirements mean pay is more tied to experience and specialization rather than high credentialing barriers.
- Local market conditions:
- Tourism hubs like Hilton Head Island, Charleston and Myrtle Beach offer more affluent clientele and tipping, which raises earnings in those areas, while rural regions may see lower demand and wages due to smaller populations and lower disposable income.
- No statewide sales tax exemption:
- South Carolina does not exempt massage therapy from sales tax unless it’s medically necessary and prescribed, therefore, therapists may need to factor in sales tax compliance costs if self-employed, which may slightly affect net income.
- Continuing education required:
- SC requires 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including ethics. This encourages professional growth, which may boost earnings, especially when tied to specialized certifications such as prenatal or oncology massage.
- No massage therapists union:
- South Carolina does not have a union for massage therapists, and union presence is very limited statewide across professions. Without union-backed wage standards or benefits, therapists must negotiate individually or rely on employer policies—this can result in lower baseline pay for employees at chains or franchises.
Education path for South Carolina’s MTs
Here’s a step-by-step path to become a massage therapist in South Carolina:
Complete a state-approved massage therapy program:
- Graduate from a massage therapy program with at least 500 hours of approved training. No college degree is required—just completion of a state-approved massage therapy program.
Pass the national exam:
- Usually the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination).
Submit your application:
Apply for state licensure through the South Carolina Massage Bodywork Therapy Board.
Renew your license every two years:
- Complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.
Cost of living in South Carolina
As of 2025, South Carolina has a Cost of Living Index score of 95.9, according to World Population Review. This means the overall cost of living in the state—and taking housing, utilities and necessities into consideration—is 4.1% lower than the national average, which is indexed at 100.
Since the cost of living in South Carolina is generally lower than the national average, there’s significant regional variation:
- High-cost areas: Cities like Charleston, Hilton Head and some parts of Greenville have higher housing and service costs due to tourism and affluence.
- Low-cost areas: Rural regions and smaller towns—such as those in the Midlands or Pee Dee regions—tend to have lower housing, utility and transportation expenses.
State resources for massage therapists
These organizations offer valuable support, education and networking opportunities for massage therapists practicing in South Carolina:
American Massage Therapy Association–South Carolina Chapter: The AMTA-SC is the state chapter of the national AMTA organization, offering support and resources for massage therapists across South Carolina. With approximately 700 members, the chapter provides newsletters, networking events and continuing education opportunities.
Massage Therapists of The Upstate Network (Facebook group): This is a private Facebook group dedicated to massage therapists in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The group serves as a platform for business ideas, job opportunities and providing resources for MTs in the state. The group also emphasizes the importance of mental health and offers a supportive community for SC MTs.
This massage therapist salary guide for South Carolina aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education and licensing path and for setting realistic expectations for professional future.