Meridian vs Pocatello: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Meridian, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meridian, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,282 | $59,282 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.50 | $28.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,350▲ | $34,383 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,710▲ | $43,027 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,881 | $75,881 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,888 | $91,888 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 1 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Meridian and Pocatello is $0 (0.00%). Meridian's median is -4.35% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $56,538,Pocatello spans $57,505. Pocatello 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, Meridian ($62,206 effective) pays 0.00% more than Pocatello ($62,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Meridian grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Meridian, ID
$44,002 (2024) → $55,911 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$44,002 (2024) → $55,911 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meridian, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Meridian or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Meridian to Pocatello as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Meridian vs Pocatello?
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