San Francisco vs Sacramento: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,709 | $55,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.54 | $26.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,157▲ | $36,633 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,609▲ | $38,945 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,977▲ | $66,958 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,259▲ | $94,907 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 720 |
Verdict
San Francisco and Sacramento are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Sacramento is $12,405 (29.05%). Sacramento's median is -11.07% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $62,102,Sacramento spans $58,274. San Francisco 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, Sacramento ($51,668 effective) pays 39.86% more than San Francisco ($36,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,259)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,114/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,668)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in San Francisco grew -13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$35,850 (2019) → $51,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: San Francisco or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Sacramento as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in San Francisco vs Sacramento?
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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