Personal Care & Fitness San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Massage Therapist Salary in San Diego, California

The median massage therapist salary in San Diego, CA is $70,801 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$70,801
vs State Avg
+$1,994
vs National
+$20,941
Cost of Living
142%

Massage Therapist Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median massage therapist salary of $70,801, which is $1,994 above the California state average of $68,807. Compared to the national median of $49,860, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,801 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,860. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for massage therapists in San Diego spans from $39,760 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $85,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,600, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,440. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Massage Therapist Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $42,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,600
+$12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,420
+$21,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,440
+$34,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $39,760
25th Percentile $51,120
Median (50th) $70,801
75th Percentile $96,560
90th Percentile $124,960

Massage Therapist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$90,745
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$83,765
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$72,796
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$58,835
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Massage Therapist in San Diego

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in San Diego

Browse open massage therapist positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in San Diego

How much does a Massage Therapist make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in San Diego, California is $70,801 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $39,760 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,801, a massage therapist in San Diego earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
San Diego's median massage therapist salary of $70,801 is 2.9% above the California state average of $68,807. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $70,801 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in San Diego? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in San Diego require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Massage Techniques, Anatomy, Client Assessment, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.