Barnstable vs Boston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Barnstable, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barnstable, MA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,294 | $79,692▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.99 | $38.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,971 | $49,230▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,242 | $55,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,176 | $109,211▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,456 | $111,024▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 2,180▲ |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barnstable.
The salary gap between Barnstable and Boston is $19,398 (32.17%). Boston's median is +28.59% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barnstable spans $58,485,Boston spans $61,794. Boston 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, Boston ($73,608 effective) pays 32.46% more than Barnstable ($55,571 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barnstable if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,692/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,024)
- ✓Larger job market (2,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,608)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Barnstable grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Boston over the same period.
Barnstable, MA
$63,281 (2024) → $56,865 (2025)
Boston, MA
$53,560 (2019) → $75,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Barnstable, MA
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Barnstable or Boston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barnstable and Boston?
Should I relocate from Barnstable to Boston as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Barnstable vs Boston?
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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