Massage Therapist Salary in Bridgeport, CT: $77,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Bridgeport, CT earns a median $77,974/year (≈ $37.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Bridgeport's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.9), that paycheck buys what $72,966 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.6% above the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, massage therapists can anticipate a median annual salary of $77,974 in 2026, reflecting a significant advantage over the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this profession is quite broad, spanning from $37,566 at the lower end (P10) to $104,556 for those at the top (P90), indicating diverse earning potential based on experience and practice type. Massage therapists in Bridgeport often have the choice between working with franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, which tend to provide more consistent hours but typically lower pay, versus opting for independent or self-employed positions. The increase in earning potential for self-employed therapists highlights a thriving job market in the area, which is encouraging for those considering a career in massage therapy.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,566 | $18.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,550 | $20.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,974 | $37.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,007 | $48.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,556 | $50.27 |
Median Salary Position
25.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgeport
In Bridgeport, CT, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,990 (2026 est.). At $77,974, the local median is 25.82% above the national median of $61,975.
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At 40 hours/week in Bridgeport: You'd be above the median
How Bridgeport Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Bridgeport median: $77,974/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgeport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $66,873 | +16.60% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +25.82% more |
Massage Therapists in Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $77,974 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.82% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 16.60% above the Connecticut state average of $66,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgeport has a cost of living 6.86% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgeport, CT has a cost-of-living index of 106.864 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,974 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,966 — a 6.42% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,100
2025 BLS Actual
$73,540
2026 Current Est.
$77,974
2019–2027 Growth
+96.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,676 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgeport metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 74.7% from $42,100 (2019) to $73,540 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,676 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,576 (96.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgeport 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) | $37,566 – $42,550 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,550 – $77,974 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,974 – $100,007 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,007 – $104,556 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Bridgeport
The job market in Bridgeport is buoyed by approximately 190 employed massage therapists, which illustrates a healthy demand for these professionals in the region. However, the local cost of living index stands at 106.864, slightly above the national average, potentially affecting the purchasing power of massage therapist pay in Bridgeport, CT. Among various employers, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics, as well as high-end spas, tend to offer higher compensation compared to franchise chains. Factors driving the variation in earnings include the large pay gap between employed therapists and those who are self-employed, as well as opportunities for tips in spa settings, where clients often add 15-25% for services rendered. Therapists specializing in areas such as oncology or sports massage can command premium rates. To maximize earnings, aspiring massage therapists should consider developing a niche practice and building a strong client base, leveraging local marketing and networking opportunities within the community.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
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 $73,540 for massage therapistsin the Bridgeport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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