Baltimore vs Frederick: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Baltimore, MD and Frederick, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Frederick, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,668▲ | $66,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.53▲ | $31.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,651 | $39,782▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,484 | $50,031▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,287▲ | $84,825 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,699 | $102,719▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Frederick.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Frederick is $1,398 (2.11%). 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 Baltimore spans $56,048,Frederick spans $62,937. Frederick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($64,762 effective) pays 6.81% more than Frederick ($60,631 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Frederick if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,719)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Baltimore grew 85.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Frederick over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$34,500 (2019) → $63,820 (2025)
Frederick, MD
$51,326 (2024) → $62,501 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Frederick, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Baltimore or Frederick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Frederick?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Frederick as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Baltimore vs Frederick?
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