Merrillville vs South Bend: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Merrillville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrillville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,429▲ | $49,930 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.17▲ | $24.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,112 | $40,419▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,562 | $40,853▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,670▲ | $58,242 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,366▲ | $82,862 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Merrillville, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Merrillville and South Bend is $4,499 (9.01%). Merrillville's median is -12.18% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrillville spans $52,254,South Bend spans $42,443. Merrillville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Merrillville ($59,616 effective) pays 10.87% more than South Bend ($53,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,366)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,616)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Merrillville grew 33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Merrillville, IN
$38,535 (2024) → $51,334 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$40,230 (2019) → $47,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrillville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Merrillville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrillville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Merrillville to South Bend as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Merrillville vs South Bend?
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