Bellingham vs Seattle: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,843 | $99,901▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.71 | $48.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,625 | $69,821▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,717 | $83,276▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,533▲ | $105,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,602 | $136,249▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 2,230▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $11,058 (12.45%). Seattle's median is +61.20% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $57,977,Seattle spans $66,428. Seattle 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, Seattle ($89,893 effective) pays 4.56% more than Bellingham ($85,977 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,901/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,249)
- ✓Larger job market (2,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,893)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bellingham grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$62,430 (2019) → $83,790 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$68,770 (2019) → $94,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bellingham or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Seattle as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bellingham vs Seattle?
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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