Milwaukie vs Portland: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukie, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,367 | $89,839▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.00 | $43.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,140▲ | $53,768 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,899 | $71,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,829▲ | $103,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,418▲ | $109,900 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.
The salary gap between Milwaukie and Portland is $2,472 (2.83%). 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 Milwaukie spans $81,278,Portland spans $56,132. Milwaukie 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, Portland ($85,219 effective) pays 0.08% more than Milwaukie ($85,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,418)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,839/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,219)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Milwaukie grew 32.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Portland over the same period.
Milwaukie, OR
$62,235 (2024) → $82,398 (2025)
Portland, OR
$60,420 (2019) → $84,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukie, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Milwaukie or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Portland?
Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Portland as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Milwaukie 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