Columbia vs Springfield: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,423 | $70,139▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.12 | $33.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,725 | $47,321▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,624 | $60,670▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,221 | $111,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,456 | $118,637▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $13,716 (24.31%). 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 Columbia spans $54,731,Springfield spans $71,316. Springfield 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, Springfield ($79,177 effective) pays 25.73% more than Columbia ($62,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia 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 Columbia grew 52.3% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 63.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$34,940 (2020) → $53,214 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$40,570 (2019) → $66,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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