San Francisco vs Thousand Oaks: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Thousand Oaks, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,709 | $53,054▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.54 | $25.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,157▲ | $31,869 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,609▲ | $40,149 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,977▲ | $67,909 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,259▲ | $82,234 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 32 |
Verdict
San Francisco and Thousand Oaks are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Thousand Oaks is $10,345 (24.22%). Thousand Oaks's median is -14.39% 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,Thousand Oaks spans $50,365. 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, Thousand Oaks ($46,909 effective) pays 26.98% 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 Thousand Oaks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,054/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,909)
- ✓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 -24.2% growth in Thousand Oaks over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
Thousand Oaks, CA
$65,986 (2024) → $50,037 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: San Francisco or Thousand Oaks?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Thousand Oaks?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Thousand Oaks as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in San Francisco vs Thousand Oaks?
Related Comparisons
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