Chaska vs Duluth: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Chaska, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chaska, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,329 | $63,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.00 | $30.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,409 | $46,791▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,822 | $56,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,221 | $91,631▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,510▲ | $91,631 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chaska.
The salary gap between Chaska and Duluth is $2,812 (4.66%). 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 Chaska spans $58,101,Duluth spans $44,840. Chaska 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 16.14% more than Chaska ($61,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chaska if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,510)
- ✓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 Chaska grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Chaska, MN
$50,619 (2024) → $56,898 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$51,060 (2019) → $59,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chaska, 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