Riverside vs Salinas: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Riverside, CA and Salinas, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,459 | $65,102▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82 | $31.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,389 | $36,920▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,432 | $37,778▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,053 | $103,687▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,043 | $159,787▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,330▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Salinas, CA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Salinas is $17,643 (37.18%). Salinas's median is +5.05% 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,Salinas spans $122,867. Salinas 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, Salinas ($59,704 effective) pays 33.90% more than Riverside ($44,587 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Salinas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,102/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,787)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,704)
- ✓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 99.3% growth in Salinas over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$36,450 (2019) → $44,760 (2025)
Salinas, CA
$30,810 (2019) → $61,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Salinas, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Riverside or Salinas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Salinas?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Salinas as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Riverside vs Salinas?
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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