Bend vs Tualatin: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bend, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,283▲ | $91,328 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.21▲ | $43.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,237 | $56,761▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,700▲ | $70,258 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,224 | $116,900▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,926 | $141,559▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Bend and Tualatin is $8,955 (9.81%). 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,Tualatin spans $84,798. Tualatin 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 8.74% more than Tualatin ($89,014 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 Tualatin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,559)
- ✓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 Tualatin over the same period.
Bend, OR
$56,460 (2019) → $94,580 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$65,057 (2024) → $86,134 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bend or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Bend to Tualatin as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bend vs Tualatin?
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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