New York vs Syracuse: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between New York, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,651▲ | $46,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.80▲ | $22.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,287▲ | $34,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,528▲ | $36,167 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,141▲ | $69,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,945▲ | $91,599 |
| Total Employed | 5,420▲ | 110 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between New York and Syracuse is $7,549 (16.37%). New York's median is -13.43% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $70,658,Syracuse spans $57,139. New York 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, Syracuse ($48,152 effective) pays 1.03% more than New York ($47,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,651/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,945)
- ✓Larger job market (5,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,152)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in New York grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.6% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
New York, NY
$49,910 (2019) → $50,600 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$30,700 (2019) → $43,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: New York or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from New York to Syracuse as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in New York vs Syracuse?
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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