Covington vs Olympia: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Covington, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Covington, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,481 | $83,043▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.18 | $39.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,259▲ | $37,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,666 | $68,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,295▲ | $95,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,296▲ | $120,418 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Covington.
The salary gap between Covington and Olympia is $1,562 (1.92%). Olympia's median is +33.99% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Covington spans $79,037,Olympia spans $82,523. Olympia 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, Olympia ($80,103 effective) pays 5.58% more than Covington ($75,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Covington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,296)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,043/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,103)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Covington grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Covington, WA
$64,527 (2024) → $76,847 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$56,580 (2019) → $78,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Covington, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Covington or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Covington to Olympia as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Covington vs Olympia?
Related Comparisons
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