Medford vs Portland: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Medford, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Medford, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,337 | $89,839▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.99 | $43.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,688▲ | $53,768 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,635▲ | $71,528 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,233 | $103,199▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,492 | $109,900▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Medford and Portland is $2,502 (2.86%). Portland's median is +44.96% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Medford spans $39,804,Portland spans $56,132. Portland 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, Medford ($86,103 effective) pays 1.04% more than Portland ($85,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Medford if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,103)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,839/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,900)
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Medford grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Medford, OR
$57,960 (2019) → $82,370 (2025)
Portland, OR
$60,420 (2019) → $84,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Medford or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Medford and Portland?
Should I relocate from Medford to Portland as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Medford vs Portland?
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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