Arvada vs Denver: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Arvada, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,063▲ | $64,138 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.24▲ | $30.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,243▲ | $33,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,718 | $56,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,841▲ | $80,254 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,948 | $107,822▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Arvada and Denver are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Arvada and Denver is $2,925 (4.56%). Arvada's median is +8.21% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $63,705,Denver spans $73,988. Denver 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, Arvada ($63,870 effective) pays 5.34% more than Denver ($60,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,063/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,870)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,822)
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Arvada grew -5.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Denver over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$66,658 (2024) → $63,249 (2025)
Denver, CO
$46,940 (2019) → $60,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Arvada or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Denver?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Denver as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Arvada vs Denver?
Related Comparisons
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