Los Angeles vs Rancho Cordova: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Rancho Cordova, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,155 | $52,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.19 | $25.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389▲ | $30,588 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,389 | $40,676▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,572 | $67,504▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,043▲ | $81,743 |
| Total Employed | 5,680▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Rancho Cordova are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Rancho Cordova is $6,582 (14.26%). Rancho Cordova's median is -14.91% 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,Rancho Cordova spans $51,155. Rancho Cordova 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, Rancho Cordova ($46,629 effective) pays 14.73% 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 Rancho Cordova if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,737/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,629)
- ✓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 Rancho Cordova over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$32,720 (2019) → $43,530 (2025)
Rancho Cordova, CA
$65,059 (2024) → $49,738 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Rancho Cordova, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Los Angeles or Rancho Cordova?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Rancho Cordova?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Rancho Cordova as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Rancho Cordova?
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