Bellevue vs Kearney: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bellevue, NE and Kearney, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Kearney, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,912▲ | $54,608 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40▲ | $26.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,854 | $33,975▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,793 | $42,163▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,287▲ | $69,898 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,113▲ | $84,642 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Kearney is $304 (0.56%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $53,259,Kearney spans $50,667. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($60,013 effective) pays 0.56% more than Kearney ($59,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,912/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,113)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,013)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bellevue grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Kearney over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$40,757 (2024) → $51,789 (2025)
Kearney, NE
$40,532 (2024) → $51,502 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bellevue or Kearney?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Kearney?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Kearney as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bellevue vs Kearney?
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