Chicago vs Aurora: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,890▲ | $63,896 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.19▲ | $30.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,806 | $37,060▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,855▲ | $46,005 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,226▲ | $81,786 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,005 | $99,038▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,890▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $994 (1.56%). Chicago's median is +4.70% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $52,199,Aurora spans $61,978. Aurora 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, Aurora ($65,804 effective) pays 5.05% more than Chicago ($62,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,890/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,038)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,804)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Chicago grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $61,200 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$47,943 (2024) → $60,262 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Chicago or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Aurora as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
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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