Fishers vs South Bend: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Fishers, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,608▲ | $49,930 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.22▲ | $24.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,833 | $40,419▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,758 | $40,853▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,459▲ | $58,242 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,743▲ | $82,862 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fishers, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fishers and South Bend is $6,678 (13.37%). Fishers's median is -8.66% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $54,910,South Bend spans $42,443. Fishers 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, Fishers ($62,002 effective) pays 15.31% more than South Bend ($53,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fishers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,743)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,002)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Fishers grew 33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$40,077 (2024) → $53,389 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$40,230 (2019) → $47,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Fishers or South Bend?
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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