Los Angeles vs Ontario: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Ontario, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Ontario, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,155 | $48,098▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.19 | $23.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389▲ | $27,898 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,389▲ | $34,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,572▲ | $61,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,043▲ | $74,553 |
| Total Employed | 5,680▲ | 42 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Ontario are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Ontario is $1,943 (4.21%). Ontario's median is -22.39% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $46,654,Ontario spans $46,655. Ontario 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, Ontario ($42,527 effective) pays 4.64% more than Los Angeles ($40,642 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,043)
- ✓Larger job market (5,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Ontario if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,098/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,527)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Los Angeles grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -32.4% growth in Ontario over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$32,720 (2019) → $43,530 (2025)
Ontario, CA
$67,147 (2024) → $45,363 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Ontario, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Los Angeles or Ontario?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Ontario?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Ontario as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Ontario?
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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