Boston vs Waltham: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Boston, MA and Waltham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,692▲ | $60,359 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.31▲ | $29.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,230▲ | $35,724 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,528▲ | $45,187 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,211▲ | $77,259 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,024▲ | $93,556 |
| Total Employed | 2,180▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Boston and Waltham is $19,333 (32.03%). Boston's median is +28.59% 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,Waltham spans $57,832. Boston 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, Boston ($73,608 effective) pays 32.32% more than Waltham ($55,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,692/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,024)
- ✓Larger job market (2,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,608)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓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 -10.1% growth in Waltham over the same period.
Boston, MA
$53,560 (2019) → $75,160 (2025)
Waltham, MA
$63,348 (2024) → $56,926 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Waltham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Boston or Waltham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Waltham?
Should I relocate from Boston to Waltham as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Boston vs Waltham?
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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