Council Bluffs vs Des Moines: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,105 | $80,678▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.01 | $38.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,381 | $48,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,022 | $53,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,255 | $80,689▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,862▲ | $81,982 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Des Moines is $26,573 (49.11%). Des Moines's median is +30.18% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $52,481,Des Moines spans $33,293. Council Bluffs 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, Des Moines ($87,979 effective) pays 47.00% more than Council Bluffs ($59,851 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,862)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,678/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,979)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Council Bluffs grew 21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 88.2% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$41,905 (2024) → $51,028 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$40,430 (2019) → $76,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Council Bluffs or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Des Moines as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Council Bluffs vs Des Moines?
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