Santa Fe vs Taos: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,248 | $53,822▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.16 | $25.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,465 | $33,265▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $26,465 | $41,276▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,258 | $68,892▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,405 | $83,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Taos, NM offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $3,574 (7.11%). Taos's median is -13.16% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $30,940,Taos spans $50,159. Taos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Taos ($57,015 effective) pays 12.07% more than Santa Fe ($50,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,822/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,424)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,015)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Santa Fe grew -2.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$48,400 (2020) → $47,390 (2025)
Taos, NM
$39,948 (2024) → $50,761 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Santa Fe or Taos?
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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