Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Council Bluffs, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,326 | $54,105▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.16 | $26.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,353▲ | $31,381 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,806▲ | $40,022 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,455▲ | $69,255 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,455▲ | $83,862 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs is $1,779 (3.40%). Council Bluffs's median is -12.70% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $49,102,Council Bluffs spans $52,481. Council Bluffs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Council Bluffs ($59,851 effective) pays 1.76% more than Cedar Rapids ($58,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,455)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,105/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,851)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Council Bluffs over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$40,910 (2019) → $49,350 (2025)
Council Bluffs, IA
$41,905 (2024) → $51,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Council Bluffs, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs?
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