Massage Therapist Pay

Chesterfield vs Springfield: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Chesterfield, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chesterfield, MO
$55,033
$26.45/hr
Springfield, MO
$70,139
$33.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChesterfield, MOSpringfield, MO
Median Salary$55,033$70,139
Hourly Rate$26.45$33.72
Entry Level (P10)$32,562$47,321
25th Percentile$41,080$60,670
75th Percentile$70,442$111,300
Top Earner (P90)$85,301$118,637
Total Employed10120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chesterfield ($55,033) and Springfield ($70,139) massage therapist salaries.ChesterfieldSpringfieldMedian Salary$55,033$70,139Entry Level (P10)$32,562$47,321Top Earner (P90)$85,301$118,637US Median $61,975

Verdict

Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesterfield.

The salary gap between Chesterfield and Springfield is $15,106 (27.45%). Springfield's median is +13.17% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesterfield spans $52,739,Springfield spans $71,316. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Chesterfield
P10 (Entry)$32,562
P25$41,080
Median$55,033
P75$70,442
P90 (Top)$85,301
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$47,321
P25$60,670
Median$70,139
P75$111,300
P90 (Top)$118,637

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($79,177 effective) pays 28.91% more than Chesterfield ($61,421 effective).

Chesterfield
Nominal: $55,033
CoL Index: 89.6
Adjusted: $61,421
Springfield
Nominal: $70,139
CoL Index: 88.585
Adjusted: $79,177

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chesterfield if…

  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,139/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($118,637)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,177)
  • You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Chesterfield grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 63.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Chesterfield, MO

+39.2%

$37,296 (2024) → $51,903 (2025)

Springfield, MO

+63.1%

$40,570 (2019) → $66,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Chesterfield or Springfield?

Springfield has a higher median massage therapist salary at $70,139/year, compared to Chesterfield at $55,033/year — a difference of $15,106 (27.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chesterfield and Springfield?

Chesterfield massage therapists earn $26.45/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $33.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chesterfield to Springfield as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chesterfield and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chesterfield = $61,421, Springfield = $79,177), job availability (10 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Chesterfield vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $32,562 in Chesterfield and $47,321 in Springfield. The Springfield area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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