Fall River vs Worcester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Fall River, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fall River, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,233▲ | $52,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.43▲ | $25.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,574▲ | $34,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,888 | $49,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,378▲ | $69,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,912▲ | $87,570 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Fall River, MA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Fall River and Worcester is $8,642 (16.43%). Fall River's median is -1.20% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fall River spans $57,338,Worcester spans $53,344. Fall River 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, Fall River ($56,436 effective) pays 10.02% more than Worcester ($51,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fall River if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,233/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,912)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,436)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Fall River grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Fall River, MA
$64,266 (2024) → $57,751 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$37,120 (2019) → $49,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fall River, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Fall River or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fall River and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Fall River to Worcester as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Fall River vs Worcester?
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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