Calumet City vs Rockford: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Calumet City, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Calumet City, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,361 | $64,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.50 | $31.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,906 | $38,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,247 | $54,128▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,542 | $85,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,109▲ | $85,693 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Calumet City.
The salary gap between Calumet City and Rockford is $3,190 (5.20%). Rockford's median is +4.16% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Calumet City spans $58,203,Rockford spans $46,769. Calumet City 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, Rockford ($70,047 effective) pays 10.84% more than Calumet City ($63,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Calumet City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,109)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,551/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,047)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Calumet City grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Calumet City, IL
$46,040 (2024) → $57,871 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Calumet City, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Calumet City or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Calumet City and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Calumet City to Rockford as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Calumet City vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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