Atlantic City vs Hackensack: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Hackensack, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Hackensack, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,091 | $68,507▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.41 | $32.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,354 | $42,515▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,849 | $52,601▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,171▲ | $87,689 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,286▲ | $106,186 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Atlantic City and Hackensack are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Hackensack is $9,416 (15.93%). Hackensack's median is +10.54% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $109,932,Hackensack spans $63,671. Atlantic City 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, Atlantic City ($59,774 effective) pays 0.52% more than Hackensack ($59,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,286)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,774)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Hackensack if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,507/year)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Atlantic City grew 167.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Hackensack over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$20,830 (2019) → $55,730 (2025)
Hackensack, NJ
$57,482 (2024) → $64,611 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Hackensack, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Atlantic City or Hackensack?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Hackensack?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Hackensack as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Atlantic City vs Hackensack?
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