Bend vs Grants Pass: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bend, OR and Grants Pass, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Grants Pass, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,283 | $100,315▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.21 | $48.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,237▲ | $43,186 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,700 | $90,422▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,224▲ | $100,569 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,926▲ | $104,503 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Bend and Grants Pass are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bend and Grants Pass is $32 (0.03%). Grants Pass's median is +61.86% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $64,689,Grants Pass spans $61,317. Bend 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, Grants Pass ($102,614 effective) pays 6.01% more than Bend ($96,792 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,926)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,315/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,614)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bend grew 67.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.7% growth in Grants Pass over the same period.
Bend, OR
$56,460 (2019) → $94,580 (2025)
Grants Pass, OR
$65,388 (2024) → $94,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grants Pass, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bend or Grants Pass?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Grants Pass?
Should I relocate from Bend to Grants Pass as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bend vs Grants Pass?
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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