Boston vs Pittsfield: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Pittsfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Pittsfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,692 | $108,278▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.31 | $52.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,230▲ | $46,102 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,528▲ | $49,802 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,211▲ | $108,278 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,024▲ | $108,278 |
| Total Employed | 2,180▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Boston and Pittsfield are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Boston and Pittsfield is $28,586 (35.87%). Pittsfield's median is +74.71% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $61,794,Pittsfield spans $62,176. Pittsfield 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, Pittsfield ($113,850 effective) pays 54.67% more than Boston ($73,608 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,024)
- ✓Larger job market (2,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,278/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,850)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Boston grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 93.4% growth in Pittsfield over the same period.
Boston, MA
$53,560 (2019) → $75,160 (2025)
Pittsfield, MA
$52,790 (2019) → $102,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Pittsfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Boston or Pittsfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Pittsfield?
Should I relocate from Boston to Pittsfield as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Boston vs Pittsfield?
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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