Massage Therapist Salary in Fairbanks, AK: $138,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Fairbanks, AK earns a median $138,465/year (≈ $66.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Fairbanks's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $134,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 110.6% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a strong earning potential awaits massage therapists in Fairbanks, Alaska, with a median annual salary projected at $138,465, significantly outpacing the national median of $61,975. This salary showcases a compelling range, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $36,177, while the top 90% can earn as much as $169,245. These figures stem from official BLS OEWS surveys and reflect the unique dynamics of the Fairbanks market. With a limited pool of about 50 massage therapists currently employed in the area, this profession presents an intriguing opportunity, especially for self-employed practitioners who can maximize their cash-pay potential by setting their own rates and managing their client base independently.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,177 | $17.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,515 | $53.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,465 | $66.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,755 | $69.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,245 | $81.37 |
Median Salary Position
123.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairbanks
In Fairbanks, AK, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,068 (2026 est.). At $138,465, the local median is 123.42% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairbanks: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Fairbanks Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Fairbanks median: $138,465/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairbanks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $65,748 | +110.60% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +123.42% more |
Massage Therapists in Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $138,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 123.42% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 110.60% above the Alaska state average of $65,748.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairbanks has a cost of living 3.21% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairbanks, AK has a cost-of-living index of 103.208 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,465 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $134,161 — a 3.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,669
2025 BLS Actual
$130,590
2026 Current Est.
$138,465
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,769 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,814 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $95,669 (2019) to $130,590 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,814 by 2027 — a total increase of $51,145 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairbanks metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,177 – $110,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,515 – $138,465 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,465 – $143,755 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,755 – $169,245 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Fairbanks
The local job market for massage therapists reveals nuanced considerations for those entering the field. While Fairbanks therapists enjoy compensation that exceeds national averages, the high cost of living, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 103.208, can affect overall purchasing power. Spas, particularly high-end establishments, often offer the highest pay, while franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone may provide steady work but typically at lower rates. Factors contributing to the wide salary range include the differences in pay structures between self-employed therapists, who can earn a higher hourly rate, and those working in clinics or franchises, which often rely on session fees supplemented by tips. For those looking to maximize their income in Fairbanks, specializing in high-demand areas such as sports or oncology massage, combined with effective self-marketing, can significantly elevate earning potential.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $130,590 for massage therapistsin the Fairbanks metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov