Somerville vs Worcester: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Somerville, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Somerville, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,874▲ | $52,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.23▲ | $25.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,467▲ | $34,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,387 | $49,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,478▲ | $69,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,454▲ | $87,570 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Somerville, MA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between Somerville and Worcester is $10,283 (19.55%). Somerville's median is +1.45% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Somerville spans $60,987,Worcester spans $53,344. Somerville 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, Somerville ($57,948 effective) pays 12.97% more than Worcester ($51,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Somerville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,874/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,454)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,948)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Somerville grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Somerville, MA
$65,988 (2024) → $59,298 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$37,120 (2019) → $49,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Somerville, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Somerville or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Somerville and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Somerville to Worcester as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Somerville vs Worcester?
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