San Francisco vs Tustin: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Tustin, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Tustin, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,709 | $53,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.54 | $25.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,157▲ | $30,809 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,609▲ | $38,248 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,977▲ | $67,994 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,259▲ | $82,335 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 18 |
Verdict
San Francisco and Tustin are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Tustin is $10,411 (24.38%). Tustin's median is -14.29% 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,Tustin spans $51,526. 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, Tustin ($46,967 effective) pays 27.14% 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 Tustin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,120/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,967)
- ✓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 -23.6% growth in Tustin over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$46,600 (2019) → $40,280 (2025)
Tustin, CA
$65,532 (2024) → $50,099 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Tustin, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: San Francisco or Tustin?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Tustin?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Tustin as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in San Francisco vs Tustin?
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