Massage Therapist Pay

Bridgeport vs Middletown: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Middletown, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bridgeport, CT
$77,974
$37.49/hr
Middletown, CT
$66,160
$31.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTMiddletown, CT
Median Salary$77,974$66,160
Hourly Rate$37.49$31.81
Entry Level (P10)$37,566$38,953
25th Percentile$42,550$49,245
75th Percentile$100,007$84,684
Top Earner (P90)$104,556$102,547
Total Employed1907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($77,974) and Middletown ($66,160) massage therapist salaries.BridgeportMiddletownMedian Salary$77,974$66,160Entry Level (P10)$37,566$38,953Top Earner (P90)$104,556$102,547US Median $61,975

Verdict

Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Middletown is $11,814 (17.86%). Bridgeport's median is +25.82% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgeport spans $66,990,Middletown spans $63,594. Bridgeport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$37,566
P25$42,550
Median$77,974
P75$100,007
P90 (Top)$104,556
Middletown
P10 (Entry)$38,953
P25$49,245
Median$66,160
P75$84,684
P90 (Top)$102,547

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($72,966 effective) pays 19.00% more than Middletown ($61,316 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $77,974
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $72,966
Middletown
Nominal: $66,160
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $61,316

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bridgeport if…

  • Higher median salary ($77,974/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($104,556)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,966)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bridgeport grew 74.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Middletown over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+74.7%

$42,100 (2019) → $73,540 (2025)

Middletown, CT

+16.9%

$53,376 (2024) → $62,397 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Bridgeport or Middletown?

Bridgeport has a higher median massage therapist salary at $77,974/year, compared to Middletown at $66,160/year — a difference of $11,814 (17.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Middletown?

Bridgeport massage therapists earn $37.49/hr while Middletown hygienists earn $31.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to Middletown as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Middletown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $72,966, Middletown = $61,316), job availability (190 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bridgeport vs Middletown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $37,566 in Bridgeport and $38,953 in Middletown. The Middletown area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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