Los Angeles vs Pittsburg: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Pittsburg, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Pittsburg, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,155 | $53,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.19 | $25.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389▲ | $31,010 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,389 | $38,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,572 | $68,436▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,043▲ | $82,872 |
| Total Employed | 5,680▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Pittsburg are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Pittsburg is $7,311 (15.84%). Pittsburg's median is -13.73% 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,Pittsburg spans $51,862. Pittsburg 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, Pittsburg ($47,273 effective) pays 16.32% 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 Pittsburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,466/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,273)
- ✓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 -23.5% growth in Pittsburg over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$32,720 (2019) → $43,530 (2025)
Pittsburg, CA
$65,958 (2024) → $50,425 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Pittsburg, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Los Angeles or Pittsburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Pittsburg?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Pittsburg as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Pittsburg?
Related Comparisons
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