Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,151▲ | $61,144 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.37▲ | $29.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,753▲ | $35,464 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,364▲ | $45,106 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,311▲ | $78,265 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,325▲ | $94,774 |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre is $2,007 (3.28%). Philadelphia's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $96,572,Wilkes-Barre spans $59,310. Philadelphia 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, Wilkes-Barre ($62,776 effective) pays 1.95% more than Philadelphia ($61,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,151/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,325)
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,776)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Philadelphia grew 34.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$44,340 (2019) → $59,560 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$46,008 (2024) → $57,667 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Philadelphia or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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