Lake Ridge vs Richmond: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Lake Ridge, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Ridge, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,286▲ | $61,211 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.47▲ | $29.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,052 | $42,115▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,594 | $57,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,446 | $97,367▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,994 | $104,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Lake Ridge and Richmond are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lake Ridge and Richmond is $75 (0.12%). Lake Ridge's median is -1.11% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Ridge spans $58,942,Richmond spans $62,759. Richmond 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, Richmond ($62,551 effective) pays 5.33% more than Lake Ridge ($59,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,286/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,874)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,551)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Lake Ridge grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Lake Ridge, VA
$45,490 (2024) → $57,801 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$37,670 (2019) → $57,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Ridge, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Lake Ridge or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Ridge and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Lake Ridge to Richmond as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Lake Ridge vs Richmond?
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