Columbus vs Lima: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Columbus, OH and Lima, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lima, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,052▲ | $57,803 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.35▲ | $27.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,144▲ | $36,444 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,428▲ | $44,851 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,551 | $73,988▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,675 | $89,595▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lima.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lima is $3,249 (5.62%). 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,Lima spans $53,151. Lima 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, Columbus ($63,950 effective) pays 0.34% more than Lima ($63,730 effective).
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 Lima if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,595)
- ✓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 Lima over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$40,730 (2019) → $57,580 (2025)
Lima, OH
$39,257 (2024) → $54,516 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Columbus or Lima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lima?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lima as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Columbus vs Lima?
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