Johnston vs Providence: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Johnston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnston, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,229 | $64,063▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.96 | $30.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,140 | $41,384▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,471 | $46,441▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,093 | $110,823▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,355 | $133,757▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Johnston and Providence is $3,834 (6.37%). Providence's median is +3.37% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $55,215,Providence spans $92,373. Providence 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, Providence ($62,947 effective) pays 5.04% more than Johnston ($59,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,063/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,757)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,947)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Johnston grew 21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 93.3% growth in Providence over the same period.
Johnston, RI
$46,649 (2024) → $56,804 (2025)
Providence, RI
$31,260 (2019) → $60,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnston, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Johnston or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Providence?
Should I relocate from Johnston to Providence as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Johnston vs Providence?
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