El Monte vs Los Angeles: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between El Monte, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Monte, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,559▲ | $46,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.23▲ | $22.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,644 | $36,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,337▲ | $36,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,836▲ | $64,572 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,566▲ | $83,043 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 5,680▲ |
Verdict
El Monte, CA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between El Monte and Los Angeles is $8,404 (18.21%). El Monte's median is -11.97% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Monte spans $52,922,Los Angeles spans $46,654. El Monte has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, El Monte ($48,240 effective) pays 18.70% more than Los Angeles ($40,642 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Monte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,559/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,566)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,240)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in El Monte grew -23.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
El Monte, CA
$67,306 (2024) → $51,456 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$32,720 (2019) → $43,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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