Albany vs Portland: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Albany, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,929▲ | $89,839 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.12▲ | $43.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,638▲ | $53,768 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,250 | $71,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,788▲ | $103,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,689▲ | $109,900 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Albany, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Albany and Portland is $6,090 (6.78%). Albany's median is +54.79% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $93,051,Portland spans $56,132. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($93,498 effective) pays 9.71% more than Portland ($85,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,929/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,689)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,498)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Albany grew 22.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Albany, OR
$73,590 (2022) → $90,473 (2025)
Portland, OR
$60,420 (2019) → $84,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Albany or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Portland?
Should I relocate from Albany to Portland as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Albany vs Portland?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov