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Top 10 Cities for Massage Therapists in 2026
As you navigate your career in massage therapy, understanding the best locations for job opportunities and salary potential is essential. In 2026, the massage therapy profession continues to thrive, and regional differences significantly impact salary and career options. Whether you are just beginning your journey or considering a career move, knowing where to focus your search can lead to better long-term prospects.
To assist you in making an informed decision, we analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other credible sources to identify cities across the U.S. that provide the best opportunities for massage therapists. Our analysis highlights cities where massage therapists enjoy competitive salaries relative to the cost of living, along with a robust job market.
Here are the top cities for massage therapists in 2026:
- Anchorage, AK
- Pittsfield, MA
- Olympia, WA
- Bend, OR
- Kennewick, WA
- Fairbanks, AK
- Eugene, OR
- Seattle, WA
- Medford, OR
- Bellingham, WA
Anchorage tops our list as the best city for massage therapists, offering competitive salaries and a strong job market.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to avoid cities with limited opportunities, Memphis is currently not recommended for massage therapy professionals.
Continue reading to discover how we compiled our research and to learn more about the top ten cities.
How We Determined the Best Cities for Massage Therapists
At Zippia, we interact with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research indicates that two primary factors drive job satisfaction:
- Availability of Jobs
- Competitive Pay
To identify the best cities for massage therapists, we analyzed job availability and salary data. We utilized the following criteria from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job concentration in a specific city.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Entry-Level Salary.
To ensure that salary comparisons were equitable across cities, we adjusted the figures based on each state’s cost of living.
This analysis encompassed 194 metropolitan areas nationwide. Each primary area was simplified to represent the city in this report. For example, the “Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division” was categorized as Boston.
We ranked each city based on the outlined criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 194, where 1 represents the best position. The overall Job Score was calculated by averaging the rankings, with the city boasting the lowest Job Score recognized as the top city for massage therapists in the U.S.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these cities exceptional for massage therapy professionals.
1. Anchorage, AK
Total Jobs: 570
Average Annual Salary: $84,870
Average Entry Level Salary: $50,580
Location Quotient: 4.83
2. Pittsfield, MA
Total Jobs: 70
Average Annual Salary: $79,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $47,800
Location Quotient: 2.71
3. Olympia, WA
Total Jobs: 220
Average Annual Salary: $60,530
Average Entry Level Salary: $34,330
Location Quotient: 3.22
4. Bend, OR
Total Jobs: 110
Average Annual Salary: $56,470
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,820
Location Quotient: 2.42
5. Kennewick, WA
Total Jobs: 130
Average Annual Salary: $55,800
Average Entry Level Salary: $44,050
Location Quotient: 1.84
6. Fairbanks, AK
Total Jobs: 40
Average Annual Salary: $88,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,430
Location Quotient: 1.65
7. Eugene, OR
Total Jobs: 240
Average Annual Salary: $56,280
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,280
Location Quotient: 2.49
8. Seattle, WA
Total Jobs: 2,450
Average Annual Salary: $53,830
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,640
Location Quotient: 2.39
9. Medford, OR
Total Jobs: 80
Average Annual Salary: $62,210
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,630
Location Quotient: 1.49
10. Bellingham, WA
Total Jobs: 120
Average Annual Salary: $53,070
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,880
Location Quotient: 2.23
In Conclusion: Best Cities for Massage Therapists
If you’re embarking on a career as a massage therapist, these cities should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and significant potential for career advancement.
Conversely, here are the cities you may want to avoid as a massage therapist:
Detailed List of the Best Cities for Massage Therapists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anchorage, AK | $84,870 |
| 2 | Pittsfield, MA | $79,470 |
| 3 | Olympia, WA | $60,530 |
| 4 | Bend, OR | $56,470 |
| 5 | Kennewick, WA | $55,800 |
| 6 | Fairbanks, AK | $88,640 |
| 7 | Eugene, OR | $56,280 |
| 8 | Seattle, WA | $53,830 |
| 9 | Medford, OR | $62,210 |
| 10 | Bellingham, WA | $53,070 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
