Bridgeport vs Waterbury: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bridgeport, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgeport, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,974▲ | $66,818 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.49▲ | $32.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,566 | $39,375▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,550 | $50,038▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,007▲ | $85,527 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,556▲ | $103,568 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Bridgeport, CT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Bridgeport and Waterbury is $11,156 (16.70%). 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,Waterbury spans $64,193. Bridgeport 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, Bridgeport ($72,966 effective) pays 17.83% more than Waterbury ($61,926 effective).
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 Waterbury 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 6.7% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Bridgeport, CT
$42,100 (2019) → $73,540 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$59,040 (2024) → $63,018 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgeport, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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