Bloomington vs Minneapolis: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,468 | $79,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.73 | $38.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,281 | $49,781▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,966 | $62,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,438▲ | $86,881 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,625▲ | $118,637 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,290▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Minneapolis is $1,415 (1.80%). Minneapolis's median is +28.90% 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,Minneapolis spans $68,856. 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 4.53% more than Minneapolis ($76,208 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,625)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,663)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,883/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 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 49.0% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$49,809 (2024) → $74,005 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$50,560 (2019) → $75,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bloomington or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Minneapolis as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Bloomington vs Minneapolis?
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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