Bedford vs Manchester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bedford, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bedford, NH | Manchester, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,632 | $85,206▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.11 | $40.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,327 | $69,153▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,837 | $69,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,169 | $111,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,080 | $122,931▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bedford.
The salary gap between Bedford and Manchester is $22,574 (36.04%). Manchester's median is +37.48% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $60,753,Manchester spans $53,778. Bedford 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, Manchester ($80,644 effective) pays 38.16% more than Bedford ($58,371 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bedford if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,206/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,931)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,644)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bedford grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 101.3% growth in Manchester over the same period.
Bedford, NH
$52,551 (2024) → $59,070 (2025)
Manchester, NH
$39,920 (2019) → $80,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bedford, NH
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bedford or Manchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Manchester?
Should I relocate from Bedford to Manchester as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bedford vs Manchester?
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