Massage Therapist Pay

Lebanon vs Manchester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Lebanon, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lebanon, NH
$63,952
$30.75/hr
Manchester, NH
$85,206
$40.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLebanon, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$63,952$85,206
Hourly Rate$30.75$40.96
Entry Level (P10)$39,195$69,153
25th Percentile$47,159$69,153
75th Percentile$81,858$111,650
Top Earner (P90)$99,125$122,931
Total Employed4110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lebanon ($63,952) and Manchester ($85,206) massage therapist salaries.LebanonManchesterMedian Salary$63,952$85,206Entry Level (P10)$39,195$69,153Top Earner (P90)$99,125$122,931US Median $61,975

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lebanon.

The salary gap between Lebanon and Manchester is $21,254 (33.23%). Manchester's median is +37.48% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lebanon spans $59,930,Manchester spans $53,778. Lebanon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lebanon
P10 (Entry)$39,195
P25$47,159
Median$63,952
P75$81,858
P90 (Top)$99,125
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$69,153
P25$69,153
Median$85,206
P75$111,650
P90 (Top)$122,931

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($80,644 effective) pays 35.31% more than Lebanon ($59,601 effective).

Lebanon
Nominal: $63,952
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $59,601
Manchester
Nominal: $85,206
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $80,644

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lebanon if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($85,206/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($122,931)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,644)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Lebanon grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 101.3% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Lebanon, NH

+12.4%

$53,659 (2024) → $60,315 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+101.3%

$39,920 (2019) → $80,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Lebanon or Manchester?

Manchester has a higher median massage therapist salary at $85,206/year, compared to Lebanon at $63,952/year — a difference of $21,254 (33.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lebanon and Manchester?

Lebanon massage therapists earn $30.75/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $40.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lebanon to Manchester as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lebanon and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lebanon = $59,601, Manchester = $80,644), job availability (4 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Lebanon vs Manchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $39,195 in Lebanon and $69,153 in Manchester. The Manchester 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