Bend vs Lake Oswego: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bend, OR and Lake Oswego, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Lake Oswego, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,283▲ | $93,054 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.21▲ | $44.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,237 | $53,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,700▲ | $68,038 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,224 | $119,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,926 | $144,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Oswego.
The salary gap between Bend and Lake Oswego is $7,229 (7.77%). Bend's median is +61.81% 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,Lake Oswego spans $90,263. Lake Oswego 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, Bend ($96,792 effective) pays 6.72% more than Lake Oswego ($90,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,283/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,792)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Oswego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,234)
- ✓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 32.4% growth in Lake Oswego over the same period.
Bend, OR
$56,460 (2019) → $94,580 (2025)
Lake Oswego, OR
$66,286 (2024) → $87,762 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Oswego, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bend or Lake Oswego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Lake Oswego?
Should I relocate from Bend to Lake Oswego as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bend vs Lake Oswego?
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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