San Francisco vs Stockton: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,709 | $48,138▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.54 | $23.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,157▲ | $36,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,609▲ | $36,898 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,977▲ | $63,851 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,259▲ | $96,095 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 140 |
Verdict
San Francisco and Stockton are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Stockton is $5,429 (12.71%). Stockton's median is -22.33% 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,Stockton spans $59,706. 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, Stockton ($45,807 effective) pays 24.00% 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 Stockton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,138/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,807)
- ✓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 -3.1% growth in Stockton over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$46,870 (2021) → $45,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: San Francisco or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Stockton?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Stockton as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in San Francisco vs Stockton?
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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