Richmond vs San Diego: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Richmond, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,180▲ | $47,926 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.05▲ | $23.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,424 | $36,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,009▲ | $37,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,351 | $94,907▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,979 | $96,816▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 1,820▲ |
Verdict
Richmond and San Diego are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Richmond and San Diego is $6,254 (13.05%). Richmond's median is -12.58% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $52,555,San Diego spans $60,427. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($47,905 effective) pays 11.84% more than San Diego ($42,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,180/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,905)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,816)
- ✓Larger job market (1,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Richmond grew -23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Richmond, CA
$66,840 (2024) → $51,099 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$31,490 (2019) → $45,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Richmond or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Richmond to San Diego as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Richmond vs San Diego?
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