Massage Therapist Pay

Bridgeport vs New London: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Bridgeport, CT
$77,974
$37.49/hr
New London, CT
$65,136
$31.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTNew London, CT
Median Salary$77,974$65,136
Hourly Rate$37.49$31.31
Entry Level (P10)$37,566$40,543
25th Percentile$42,550$50,305
75th Percentile$100,007$83,375
Top Earner (P90)$104,556$100,962
Total Employed1905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($77,974) and New London ($65,136) massage therapist salaries.BridgeportNew LondonMedian Salary$77,974$65,136Entry Level (P10)$37,566$40,543Top Earner (P90)$104,556$100,962US Median $61,975

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Bridgeport and New London is $12,838 (19.71%). 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,New London spans $60,419. 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
New London
P10 (Entry)$40,543
P25$50,305
Median$65,136
P75$83,375
P90 (Top)$100,962

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($72,966 effective) pays 20.87% more than New London ($60,367 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $77,974
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $72,966
New London
Nominal: $65,136
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $60,367

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 New London 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 18.2% growth in New London over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+74.7%

$42,100 (2019) → $73,540 (2025)

New London, CT

+18.2%

$51,961 (2024) → $61,432 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Bridgeport or New London?

Bridgeport has a higher median massage therapist salary at $77,974/year, compared to New London at $65,136/year — a difference of $12,838 (19.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and New London?

Bridgeport massage therapists earn $37.49/hr while New London hygienists earn $31.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bridgeport to New London as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and New London. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $72,966, New London = $60,367), job availability (190 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $37,566 in Bridgeport and $40,543 in New London. The New London 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