New York vs Kingston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between New York, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,651 | $81,802▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.80 | $39.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,287 | $36,018▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,528 | $47,618▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,141 | $139,376▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,945 | $139,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,420▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New York.
The salary gap between New York and Kingston is $28,151 (52.47%). Kingston's median is +31.99% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $70,658,Kingston spans $103,358. Kingston 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, Kingston ($81,226 effective) pays 70.42% more than New York ($47,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,802/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,376)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,226)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in New York grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in Kingston over the same period.
New York, NY
$49,910 (2019) → $50,600 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$80,780 (2022) → $77,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: New York or Kingston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Kingston?
Should I relocate from New York to Kingston as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in New York vs Kingston?
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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