Olympia vs Yakima: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Olympia, WA and Yakima, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Yakima, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,043 | $89,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.93 | $42.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,895 | $73,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,559 | $85,556▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,597 | $103,188▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,418▲ | $111,809 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Olympia and Yakima are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Olympia and Yakima is $6,128 (7.38%). Yakima's median is +43.88% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $82,523,Yakima spans $38,044. Olympia 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, Yakima ($93,329 effective) pays 16.51% more than Olympia ($80,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,418)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Yakima if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,171/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,329)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Olympia grew 38.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Yakima over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$56,580 (2019) → $78,320 (2025)
Yakima, WA
$73,570 (2019) → $84,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Yakima, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Olympia or Yakima?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Yakima?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Yakima as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Olympia vs Yakima?
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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