Cleveland vs Newark: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Cleveland, OH and Newark, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Newark, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,073▲ | $55,939 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.92▲ | $26.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,970▲ | $33,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,290▲ | $42,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,279 | $71,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,021 | $86,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Newark is $2,134 (3.81%). Cleveland's median is -6.30% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $39,051,Newark spans $52,714. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($61,830 effective) pays 0.25% more than Newark ($61,675 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,073/year)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,830)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,706)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Cleveland grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.9% growth in Newark over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$40,550 (2019) → $54,770 (2025)
Newark, OH
$37,991 (2024) → $52,758 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Newark, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Cleveland or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Newark?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Newark as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Cleveland vs Newark?
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