Massage Therapist Pay

Baltimore vs Severn: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$67,668
$32.53/hr
Severn, MD
$66,254
$31.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSevern, MD
Median Salary$67,668$66,254
Hourly Rate$32.53$31.85
Entry Level (P10)$37,651$39,680
25th Percentile$46,484$50,001
75th Percentile$86,287$84,805
Top Earner (P90)$93,699$102,693
Total Employed84012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($67,668) and Severn ($66,254) massage therapist salaries.BaltimoreSevernMedian Salary$67,668$66,254Entry Level (P10)$37,651$39,680Top Earner (P90)$93,699$102,693US Median $61,975

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Baltimore and Severn is $1,414 (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 Baltimore spans $56,048,Severn spans $63,013. Severn has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$37,651
P25$46,484
Median$67,668
P75$86,287
P90 (Top)$93,699
Severn
P10 (Entry)$39,680
P25$50,001
Median$66,254
P75$84,805
P90 (Top)$102,693

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($64,762 effective) pays 6.84% more than Severn ($60,617 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $67,668
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $64,762
Severn
Nominal: $66,254
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $60,617

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 Severn if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($102,693)
  • 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 Severn over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+85.0%

$34,500 (2019) → $63,820 (2025)

Severn, MD

+21.8%

$51,314 (2024) → $62,486 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Baltimore or Severn?

Baltimore has a higher median massage therapist salary at $67,668/year, compared to Severn at $66,254/year — a difference of $1,414 (2.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Severn?

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

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Severn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $64,762, Severn = $60,617), job availability (840 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $37,651 in Baltimore and $39,680 in Severn. The Severn 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