Massage Therapist Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $47,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in San Bernardino, CA earns a median $47,518/year (≈ $22.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in San Bernardino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $42,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in San Bernardino, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $47,518, notably lower than the national median of $61,975, which reflects a difference of over 23%. The salary range in this market shows considerable diversity, with entry-level therapists earning around $27,560 and top earners reaching as much as $73,654. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, illustrating the distinct pay gradients in the area. Those working in franchise establishments like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often earn less compared to their independently employed counterparts, who can set their rates and enjoy greater earning potential. This pay structure highlights the importance of considering employment type when evaluating the overall compensation landscape for massage therapy in San Bernardino.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,560 | $13.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,736 | $17.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,518 | $22.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,823 | $29.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,654 | $35.41 |
Median Salary Position
23.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, CA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,094 (2026 est.). At $47,518, the local median is 23.33% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Bernardino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Bernardino Massage Therapist Pay Compares
San Bernardino median: $47,518/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Bernardino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $53,153 | -10.60% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -23.33% less |
Massage Therapists in San Bernardino, CA earn a median of $47,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.33% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 10.60% below the California state average of $53,153.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Bernardino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Bernardino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,518 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $42,014 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,832
2025 BLS Actual
$44,816
2026 Current Est.
$47,518
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,408 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,816 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $32,832 (2019) to $44,816 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,552 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $27,560 – $35,736 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,736 – $47,518 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,518 – $60,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,823 – $73,654 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in San Bernardino
With only 33 massage therapists currently employed in San Bernardino, the local job market presents limited opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can influence take-home pay for massage therapists. Franchise chains typically pay less, making independent practice more lucrative for experienced therapists, especially those who specialize in niches like sports or oncology massage. Income from tips can further enhance earnings, as clients often provide gratuities ranging from 15% to 25% of the service fee at spas. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in this competitive environment, delving into high-demand specialty areas and building a strong personal brand through referrals and networking can be effective strategies. Understanding the dynamics of both franchise and independent practices is essential for therapists aiming to improve their earning potential in San Bernardino, CA.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,816 for massage therapistsin the San Bernardino metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Bernardino is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov