Blaine vs Duluth: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Blaine, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaine, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,276 | $63,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.50 | $30.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,886 | $46,791▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,228 | $56,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,873 | $91,631▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,878▲ | $91,631 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Blaine.
The salary gap between Blaine and Duluth is $3,865 (6.52%). Duluth's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $56,992,Duluth spans $44,840. Blaine 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, Duluth ($71,130 effective) pays 18.20% more than Blaine ($60,179 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blaine if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,878)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,141/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,130)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Blaine grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Blaine, MN
$49,736 (2024) → $55,905 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$51,060 (2019) → $59,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blaine, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Blaine or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Blaine and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Blaine to Duluth as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Blaine vs Duluth?
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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