Chicago vs Danville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Chicago, IL and Danville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Danville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,890▲ | $64,101 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.19▲ | $30.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,806 | $37,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,855▲ | $47,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,226▲ | $82,050 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,005 | $99,358▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,890▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Danville.
The salary gap between Chicago and Danville is $789 (1.23%). 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,Danville spans $61,472. Danville 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, Danville ($66,015 effective) pays 5.39% 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 Danville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,358)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,015)
- ✓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 Danville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $61,200 (2025)
Danville, IL
$48,098 (2024) → $60,456 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Danville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Chicago or Danville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Danville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Danville as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Chicago vs Danville?
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