Massage Therapist Pay

Columbus vs Findlay: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$61,052
$29.35/hr
Findlay, OH
$55,880
$26.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHFindlay, OH
Median Salary$61,052$55,880
Hourly Rate$29.35$26.87
Entry Level (P10)$43,144$33,860
25th Percentile$50,428$42,302
75th Percentile$64,551$71,527
Top Earner (P90)$81,675$86,614
Total Employed3908
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($61,052) and Findlay ($55,880) massage therapist salaries.ColumbusFindlayMedian Salary$61,052$55,880Entry Level (P10)$43,144$33,860Top Earner (P90)$81,675$86,614US Median $61,975

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Findlay.

The salary gap between Columbus and Findlay is $5,172 (9.26%). Columbus's median is -1.49% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $38,531,Findlay spans $52,754. Findlay has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$43,144
P25$50,428
Median$61,052
P75$64,551
P90 (Top)$81,675
Findlay
P10 (Entry)$33,860
P25$42,302
Median$55,880
P75$71,527
P90 (Top)$86,614

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($63,950 effective) pays 3.80% more than Findlay ($61,610 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $61,052
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $63,950
Findlay
Nominal: $55,880
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $61,610

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,052/year)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,950)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Findlay if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($86,614)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Columbus grew 41.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.9% growth in Findlay over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+41.4%

$40,730 (2019) → $57,580 (2025)

Findlay, OH

+38.9%

$37,950 (2024) → $52,702 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Columbus or Findlay?

Columbus has a higher median massage therapist salary at $61,052/year, compared to Findlay at $55,880/year — a difference of $5,172 (9.26%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Findlay?

Columbus massage therapists earn $29.35/hr while Findlay hygienists earn $26.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Findlay as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Findlay. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $63,950, Findlay = $61,610), job availability (390 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Columbus vs Findlay?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $43,144 in Columbus and $33,860 in Findlay. The Columbus 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