Bartlett vs Chicago: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bartlett, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bartlett, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,519 | $64,890▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.54 | $31.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,841▲ | $35,806 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,667 | $49,855▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,305 | $82,226▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,455▲ | $88,005 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 3,890▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bartlett.
The salary gap between Bartlett and Chicago is $1,371 (2.16%). Chicago's median is +4.70% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bartlett spans $61,614,Chicago spans $52,199. Bartlett has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bartlett ($65,416 effective) pays 4.43% more than Chicago ($62,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bartlett if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,455)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,416)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,890/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bartlett grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Bartlett, IL
$47,661 (2024) → $59,907 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $61,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bartlett, IL
Chicago, IL
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
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