Riverside vs Napa: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Riverside, CA and Napa, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Napa, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,459▲ | $41,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82▲ | $20.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389 | $36,792▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,432 | $38,022▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,053▲ | $51,552 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,043▲ | $100,856 |
| Total Employed | 1,330▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Napa.
The salary gap between Riverside and Napa is $5,757 (13.81%). Riverside's median is -23.42% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $65,654,Napa spans $64,064. Riverside 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, Riverside ($44,587 effective) pays 20.34% more than Napa ($37,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,459/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,043)
- ✓Larger job market (1,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,587)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Napa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Riverside grew 22.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.4% growth in Napa over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$36,450 (2019) → $44,760 (2025)
Napa, CA
$25,800 (2019) → $39,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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