Gary vs South Bend: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Gary, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gary, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,815▲ | $49,930 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.31▲ | $24.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,953 | $40,419▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,066▲ | $40,853 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,724▲ | $58,242 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,063▲ | $82,862 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Gary, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Gary and South Bend is $6,885 (13.79%). Gary's median is -8.33% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gary spans $55,110,South Bend spans $42,443. Gary 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, Gary ($62,229 effective) pays 15.73% 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 Gary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,815/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,063)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,229)
- ✓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 Gary grew 33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Gary, IN
$40,224 (2024) → $53,584 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$40,230 (2019) → $47,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
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