Jersey City vs Lakewood: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,572 | $70,837▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.23 | $34.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,651 | $41,086▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,292 | $52,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,852 | $90,670▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,585 | $109,796▲ |
| Total Employed | 42▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jersey City.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Lakewood is $16,265 (29.80%). Lakewood's median is +14.30% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $52,934,Lakewood spans $68,710. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($61,490 effective) pays 29.80% more than Jersey City ($47,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jersey City if…
- ✓Larger job market (42 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,796)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,490)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Jersey City grew -18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$62,760 (2024) → $51,468 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$59,436 (2024) → $66,808 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Jersey City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Lakewood as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Jersey City vs Lakewood?
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