San Francisco vs San Mateo: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,709 | $53,738▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.54 | $25.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,157▲ | $31,169 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,609 | $40,963▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,977▲ | $68,785 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,259▲ | $83,294 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Francisco and San Mateo are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Mateo is $11,029 (25.82%). San Mateo's median is -13.29% 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,San Mateo spans $52,125. 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, San Mateo ($47,514 effective) pays 28.62% 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 San Mateo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,738/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,514)
- ✓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 -23.5% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$66,294 (2024) → $50,682 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: San Francisco or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to San Mateo as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in San Francisco vs San Mateo?
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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