Eugene vs The Dalles: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Eugene, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,938▲ | $88,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.76▲ | $42.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,027 | $55,832▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,654▲ | $68,361 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,382 | $112,771▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,584 | $136,559▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Eugene and The Dalles is $836 (0.95%). Eugene's median is +43.51% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $59,557,The Dalles spans $80,727. The Dalles 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, Eugene ($87,565 effective) pays 1.97% more than The Dalles ($85,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,938/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,565)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,559)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Eugene grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$66,130 (2019) → $83,880 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$62,759 (2024) → $83,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Eugene or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Eugene to The Dalles as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Eugene vs The Dalles?
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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