Bloomington vs Duluth: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,468▲ | $63,141 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.73▲ | $30.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,281 | $46,791▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,966▲ | $56,641 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,438▲ | $91,631 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,625▲ | $91,631 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $15,327 (24.27%). Bloomington's median is +26.61% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $75,344,Duluth spans $44,840. Bloomington 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, Bloomington ($79,663 effective) pays 12.00% more than Duluth ($71,130 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,468/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,625)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,663)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bloomington grew 48.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$49,809 (2024) → $74,005 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$51,060 (2019) → $59,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Duluth, MN
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