Spokane vs University Place: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Spokane, WA and University Place, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | University Place, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,802 | $85,119▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.33 | $40.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,519▲ | $49,369 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,583▲ | $62,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,195 | $108,952▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,340 | $131,934▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 6 |
Verdict
University Place, WA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Spokane and University Place is $3,317 (4.05%). University Place's median is +37.34% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $37,821,University Place spans $82,565. University Place 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, Spokane ($81,520 effective) pays 2.86% more than University Place ($79,254 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,520)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose University Place if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,119/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,934)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Spokane grew 44.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in University Place over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$53,540 (2019) → $77,150 (2025)
University Place, WA
$67,407 (2024) → $80,278 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
University Place, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Spokane or University Place?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and University Place?
Should I relocate from Spokane to University Place as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Spokane vs University Place?
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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