Massage Therapist Pay

Bridgeport vs Norwich: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Bridgeport, CT
$77,974
$37.49/hr
Norwich, CT
$65,601
$31.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBridgeport, CTNorwich, CT
Median Salary$77,974$65,601
Hourly Rate$37.49$31.54
Entry Level (P10)$37,566$36,061
25th Percentile$42,550$36,061
75th Percentile$100,007$92,628
Top Earner (P90)$104,556$104,524
Total Employed19070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bridgeport ($77,974) and Norwich ($65,601) massage therapist salaries.BridgeportNorwichMedian Salary$77,974$65,601Entry Level (P10)$37,566$36,061Top Earner (P90)$104,556$104,524US Median $61,975

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Bridgeport and Norwich is $12,373 (18.86%). 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,Norwich spans $68,463. Norwich has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Bridgeport
P10 (Entry)$37,566
P25$42,550
Median$77,974
P75$100,007
P90 (Top)$104,556
Norwich
P10 (Entry)$36,061
P25$36,061
Median$65,601
P75$92,628
P90 (Top)$104,524

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgeport ($72,966 effective) pays 11.72% more than Norwich ($65,310 effective).

Bridgeport
Nominal: $77,974
CoL Index: 106.864
Adjusted: $72,966
Norwich
Nominal: $65,601
CoL Index: 100.445
Adjusted: $65,310

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 Norwich 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 61.5% growth in Norwich over the same period.

Bridgeport, CT

+74.7%

$42,100 (2019) → $73,540 (2025)

Norwich, CT

+61.5%

$38,310 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Bridgeport or Norwich?

Bridgeport has a higher median massage therapist salary at $77,974/year, compared to Norwich at $65,601/year — a difference of $12,373 (18.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgeport and Norwich?

Bridgeport massage therapists earn $37.49/hr while Norwich hygienists earn $31.54/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bridgeport and Norwich. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bridgeport = $72,966, Norwich = $65,310), job availability (190 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $37,566 in Bridgeport and $36,061 in Norwich. The Bridgeport 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