Los Angeles vs Stockton: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,155 | $48,138▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.19 | $23.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389 | $36,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,389 | $36,898▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,572▲ | $63,851 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,043 | $96,095▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,680▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Stockton, CA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Stockton is $1,983 (4.30%). Stockton's median is -22.33% 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,Stockton spans $59,706. Stockton 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, Stockton ($45,807 effective) pays 12.71% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (5,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,095)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,807)
- ✓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 -3.1% growth in Stockton over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$32,720 (2019) → $43,530 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$46,870 (2021) → $45,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Los Angeles or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Stockton?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Stockton as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Los Angeles vs Stockton?
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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