Seattle vs Tacoma: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,901▲ | $98,235 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.03▲ | $47.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,821▲ | $56,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,276▲ | $71,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,055 | $125,740▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,249 | $152,263▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,230▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $1,666 (1.70%). Seattle's median is +61.20% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $66,428,Tacoma spans $95,287. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($91,466 effective) pays 1.75% more than Seattle ($89,893 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,901/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,263)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,466)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Seattle grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$68,770 (2019) → $94,220 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$69,617 (2024) → $92,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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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