Massage Therapist Pay

Annapolis vs Baltimore: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Annapolis, MD and Baltimore, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Annapolis, MD
$66,255
$31.85/hr
Baltimore, MD
$67,668
$32.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnnapolis, MDBaltimore, MD
Median Salary$66,255$67,668
Hourly Rate$31.85$32.53
Entry Level (P10)$38,427$37,651
25th Percentile$48,379$46,484
75th Percentile$84,806$86,287
Top Earner (P90)$102,695$93,699
Total Employed6840
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Annapolis ($66,255) and Baltimore ($67,668) massage therapist salaries.AnnapolisBaltimoreMedian Salary$66,255$67,668Entry Level (P10)$38,427$37,651Top Earner (P90)$102,695$93,699US Median $61,975

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Annapolis.

The salary gap between Annapolis and Baltimore is $1,413 (2.13%). Baltimore's median is +9.19% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annapolis spans $64,268,Baltimore spans $56,048. Annapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Annapolis
P10 (Entry)$38,427
P25$48,379
Median$66,255
P75$84,806
P90 (Top)$102,695
Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$37,651
P25$46,484
Median$67,668
P75$86,287
P90 (Top)$93,699

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($64,762 effective) pays 6.84% more than Annapolis ($60,618 effective).

Annapolis
Nominal: $66,255
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $60,618
Baltimore
Nominal: $67,668
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $64,762

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Annapolis if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,695)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,668/year)
  • Larger job market (840 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,762)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Annapolis grew 21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 85.0% growth in Baltimore over the same period.

Annapolis, MD

+21.8%

$51,316 (2024) → $62,487 (2025)

Baltimore, MD

+85.0%

$34,500 (2019) → $63,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Annapolis or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a higher median massage therapist salary at $67,668/year, compared to Annapolis at $66,255/year — a difference of $1,413 (2.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Annapolis and Baltimore?

Annapolis massage therapists earn $31.85/hr while Baltimore hygienists earn $32.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Annapolis to Baltimore as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Annapolis and Baltimore. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Annapolis = $60,618, Baltimore = $64,762), job availability (6 vs 840 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Annapolis vs Baltimore?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $38,427 in Annapolis and $37,651 in Baltimore. The Annapolis area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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