New Bedford vs Worcester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between New Bedford, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,490▲ | $52,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.04▲ | $25.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,687▲ | $34,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,402 | $49,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,987▲ | $69,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,859▲ | $87,570 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 250▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $9,899 (18.82%). New Bedford's median is +0.83% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $59,172,Worcester spans $53,344. New Bedford 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, New Bedford ($57,594 effective) pays 12.28% more than Worcester ($51,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,859)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,594)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in New Bedford grew 28.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$45,710 (2021) → $58,936 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$37,120 (2019) → $49,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: New Bedford or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Bedford and Worcester?
Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in New Bedford vs Worcester?
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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