Boise City vs Boise: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Boise City, ID and Boise, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,063▲ | $61,221 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80▲ | $29.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,218▲ | $35,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,561▲ | $44,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,760 | $78,363▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,367 | $94,892▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 60 |
Verdict
Boise City and Boise are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boise City and Boise is $2,842 (4.64%). Boise City's median is +3.37% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $35,149,Boise spans $59,384. Boise 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, Boise City ($65,111 effective) pays 1.35% more than Boise ($64,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,063/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,111)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,892)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Boise City grew 38.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Boise over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$43,490 (2020) → $60,420 (2025)
Boise, ID
$45,440 (2024) → $57,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Boise City or Boise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Boise?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Boise as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Boise City vs Boise?
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