Massage Therapist Pay

Goshen vs South Bend: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Goshen, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Goshen, IN
$76,581
$36.81/hr
South Bend, IN
$49,930
$24.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGoshen, INSouth Bend, IN
Median Salary$76,581$49,930
Hourly Rate$36.81$24.01
Entry Level (P10)$46,777$40,419
25th Percentile$58,487$40,853
75th Percentile$98,024$58,242
Top Earner (P90)$118,701$82,862
Total Employed680
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Goshen ($76,581) and South Bend ($49,930) massage therapist salaries.GoshenSouth BendMedian Salary$76,581$49,930Entry Level (P10)$46,777$40,419Top Earner (P90)$118,701$82,862US Median $61,975

Verdict

Goshen, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.

The salary gap between Goshen and South Bend is $26,651 (53.38%). Goshen's median is +23.57% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Goshen spans $71,924,South Bend spans $42,443. Goshen has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Goshen
P10 (Entry)$46,777
P25$58,487
Median$76,581
P75$98,024
P90 (Top)$118,701
South Bend
P10 (Entry)$40,419
P25$40,853
Median$49,930
P75$58,242
P90 (Top)$82,862

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Goshen ($83,878 effective) pays 55.99% more than South Bend ($53,770 effective).

Goshen
Nominal: $76,581
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $83,878
South Bend
Nominal: $49,930
CoL Index: 92.858
Adjusted: $53,770

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Goshen if…

  • Higher median salary ($76,581/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($118,701)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,878)
  • 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 Goshen grew 88.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.

Goshen, IN

+88.0%

$38,417 (2024) → $72,226 (2025)

South Bend, IN

+17.1%

$40,230 (2019) → $47,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Goshen or South Bend?

Goshen has a higher median massage therapist salary at $76,581/year, compared to South Bend at $49,930/year — a difference of $26,651 (53.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Goshen and South Bend?

Goshen massage therapists earn $36.81/hr while South Bend hygienists earn $24.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Goshen to South Bend as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Goshen and South Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Goshen = $83,878, South Bend = $53,770), job availability (6 vs 80 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Goshen vs South Bend?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $46,777 in Goshen and $40,419 in South Bend. The Goshen area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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