Massage Therapist Pay

Pasco vs Seattle: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Pasco, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pasco, WA
$84,687
$40.72/hr
Seattle, WA
$99,901
$48.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPasco, WASeattle, WA
Median Salary$84,687$99,901
Hourly Rate$40.72$48.03
Entry Level (P10)$50,480$69,821
25th Percentile$63,668$83,276
75th Percentile$108,400$105,055
Top Earner (P90)$131,265$136,249
Total Employed182,230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pasco ($84,687) and Seattle ($99,901) massage therapist salaries.PascoSeattleMedian Salary$84,687$99,901Entry Level (P10)$50,480$69,821Top Earner (P90)$131,265$136,249US Median $61,975

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pasco.

The salary gap between Pasco and Seattle is $15,214 (17.96%). Seattle's median is +61.20% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pasco spans $80,785,Seattle spans $66,428. Pasco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Pasco
P10 (Entry)$50,480
P25$63,668
Median$84,687
P75$108,400
P90 (Top)$131,265
Seattle
P10 (Entry)$69,821
P25$83,276
Median$99,901
P75$105,055
P90 (Top)$136,249

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($89,893 effective) pays 14.00% more than Pasco ($78,852 effective).

Pasco
Nominal: $84,687
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $78,852
Seattle
Nominal: $99,901
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $89,893

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pasco if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,901/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($136,249)
  • Larger job market (2,230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,893)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Pasco grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.

Pasco, WA

+19.1%

$67,066 (2024) → $79,871 (2025)

Seattle, WA

+37.0%

$68,770 (2019) → $94,220 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Pasco or Seattle?

Seattle has a higher median massage therapist salary at $99,901/year, compared to Pasco at $84,687/year — a difference of $15,214 (17.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pasco and Seattle?

Pasco massage therapists earn $40.72/hr while Seattle hygienists earn $48.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pasco to Seattle as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pasco and Seattle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pasco = $78,852, Seattle = $89,893), job availability (18 vs 2,230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Pasco vs Seattle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $50,480 in Pasco and $69,821 in Seattle. The Seattle area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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