Massage Therapist Pay

Providence vs South Kingstown: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Providence, RI and South Kingstown, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Providence, RI
$64,063
$30.80/hr
South Kingstown, RI
$59,122
$28.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricProvidence, RISouth Kingstown, RI
Median Salary$64,063$59,122
Hourly Rate$30.80$28.43
Entry Level (P10)$41,384$35,403
25th Percentile$46,441$44,629
75th Percentile$110,823$75,677
Top Earner (P90)$133,757$91,640
Total Employed4405
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Providence ($64,063) and South Kingstown ($59,122) massage therapist salaries.ProvidenceSouth KingstownMedian Salary$64,063$59,122Entry Level (P10)$41,384$35,403Top Earner (P90)$133,757$91,640US Median $61,975

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Kingstown.

The salary gap between Providence and South Kingstown is $4,941 (8.36%). Providence's median is +3.37% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $92,373,South Kingstown spans $56,237. Providence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Providence
P10 (Entry)$41,384
P25$46,441
Median$64,063
P75$110,823
P90 (Top)$133,757
South Kingstown
P10 (Entry)$35,403
P25$44,629
Median$59,122
P75$75,677
P90 (Top)$91,640

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($62,947 effective) pays 7.00% more than South Kingstown ($58,828 effective).

Providence
Nominal: $64,063
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $62,947
South Kingstown
Nominal: $59,122
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $58,828

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,063/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($133,757)
  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,947)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose South Kingstown if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Providence grew 93.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in South Kingstown over the same period.

Providence, RI

+93.3%

$31,260 (2019) → $60,420 (2025)

South Kingstown, RI

+21.8%

$45,791 (2024) → $55,760 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Providence or South Kingstown?

Providence has a higher median massage therapist salary at $64,063/year, compared to South Kingstown at $59,122/year — a difference of $4,941 (8.36%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and South Kingstown?

Providence massage therapists earn $30.80/hr while South Kingstown hygienists earn $28.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Providence to South Kingstown as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Providence and South Kingstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Providence = $62,947, South Kingstown = $58,828), job availability (440 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Providence vs South Kingstown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $41,384 in Providence and $35,403 in South Kingstown. The Providence 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