Ithaca vs Rochester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,185▲ | $70,096 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.96▲ | $33.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,957▲ | $34,184 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,163▲ | $45,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,185 | $90,285▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,459 | $97,548▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Ithaca and Rochester are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $15,089 (21.53%). Ithaca's median is +37.45% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ithaca spans $31,502,Rochester spans $63,364. Rochester 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, Ithaca ($82,450 effective) pays 14.14% more than Rochester ($72,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,185/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,450)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,548)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Ithaca grew 75.3% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 90.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$45,840 (2022) → $80,340 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$34,650 (2019) → $66,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Ithaca vs Rochester?
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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