Massage Therapist Pay

Cincinnati vs Mason: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Mason, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$59,366
$28.54/hr
Mason, OH
$56,130
$26.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHMason, OH
Median Salary$59,366$56,130
Hourly Rate$28.54$26.98
Entry Level (P10)$48,742$34,182
25th Percentile$52,941$42,792
75th Percentile$64,880$71,847
Top Earner (P90)$103,920$87,002
Total Employed4407
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($59,366) and Mason ($56,130) massage therapist salaries.CincinnatiMasonMedian Salary$59,366$56,130Entry Level (P10)$48,742$34,182Top Earner (P90)$103,920$87,002US Median $61,975

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mason.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Mason is $3,236 (5.77%). Cincinnati's median is -4.21% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $55,178,Mason spans $52,820. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$48,742
P25$52,941
Median$59,366
P75$64,880
P90 (Top)$103,920
Mason
P10 (Entry)$34,182
P25$42,792
Median$56,130
P75$71,847
P90 (Top)$87,002

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($62,248 effective) pays 0.59% more than Mason ($61,885 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $59,366
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $62,248
Mason
Nominal: $56,130
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $61,885

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($59,366/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,920)
  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,248)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Mason if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Cincinnati grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.9% growth in Mason over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+35.7%

$41,270 (2019) → $55,990 (2025)

Mason, OH

+38.9%

$38,121 (2024) → $52,938 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Cincinnati or Mason?

Cincinnati has a higher median massage therapist salary at $59,366/year, compared to Mason at $56,130/year — a difference of $3,236 (5.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Mason?

Cincinnati massage therapists earn $28.54/hr while Mason hygienists earn $26.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Mason as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Mason. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $62,248, Mason = $61,885), job availability (440 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Cincinnati vs Mason?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $48,742 in Cincinnati and $34,182 in Mason. The Cincinnati 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