Massage Therapist Pay

Newark vs Washington Township: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Newark, NJ and Washington Township, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$53,731
$25.83/hr
Washington Township, NJ
$70,579
$33.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJWashington Township, NJ
Median Salary$53,731$70,579
Hourly Rate$25.83$33.93
Entry Level (P10)$31,163$41,164
25th Percentile$40,423$52,466
75th Percentile$68,775$90,341
Top Earner (P90)$83,282$109,398
Total Employed6112
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($53,731) and Washington Township ($70,579) massage therapist salaries.NewarkWashington TownshipMedian Salary$53,731$70,579Entry Level (P10)$31,163$41,164Top Earner (P90)$83,282$109,398US Median $61,975

Verdict

Washington Township, NJ offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.

The salary gap between Newark and Washington Township is $16,848 (31.36%). Washington Township's median is +13.88% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $52,119,Washington Township spans $68,234. Washington Township has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$31,163
P25$40,423
Median$53,731
P75$68,775
P90 (Top)$83,282
Washington Township
P10 (Entry)$41,164
P25$52,466
Median$70,579
P75$90,341
P90 (Top)$109,398

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Washington Township ($61,266 effective) pays 31.36% more than Newark ($46,641 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $53,731
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $46,641
Washington Township
Nominal: $70,579
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $61,266

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Washington Township if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,579/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($109,398)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,266)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Newark grew -19.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Washington Township over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-19.6%

$62,992 (2024) → $50,675 (2025)

Washington Township, NJ

+12.4%

$59,220 (2024) → $66,565 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Newark or Washington Township?

Washington Township has a higher median massage therapist salary at $70,579/year, compared to Newark at $53,731/year — a difference of $16,848 (31.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Washington Township?

Newark massage therapists earn $25.83/hr while Washington Township hygienists earn $33.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Washington Township as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Washington Township. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $46,641, Washington Township = $61,266), job availability (61 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Newark vs Washington Township?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $31,163 in Newark and $41,164 in Washington Township. The Washington Township area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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