Mount Vernon vs Olympia: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Mount Vernon, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,432▲ | $83,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.59▲ | $39.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,970▲ | $37,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,227 | $68,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,072▲ | $95,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,870▲ | $120,418 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Mount Vernon, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Olympia is $1,389 (1.67%). Mount Vernon's median is +36.24% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $81,900,Olympia spans $82,523. Olympia 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, Olympia ($80,103 effective) pays 1.89% more than Mount Vernon ($78,615 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,432/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,870)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,103)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Mount Vernon grew 1.6% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 38.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Mount Vernon, WA
$78,390 (2023) → $79,630 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$56,580 (2019) → $78,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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