Davenport vs Marshalltown: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Davenport, IA and Marshalltown, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Marshalltown, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,163▲ | $53,360 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81▲ | $25.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,947▲ | $32,466 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,586▲ | $39,306 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,173 | $68,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,996 | $82,708▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshalltown.
The salary gap between Davenport and Marshalltown is $12,803 (23.99%). Davenport's median is +6.76% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $46,049,Marshalltown spans $50,242. Marshalltown 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, Davenport ($74,275 effective) pays 25.83% more than Marshalltown ($59,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,163/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,275)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marshalltown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,708)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Davenport grew 97.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.8% growth in Marshalltown over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$31,630 (2019) → $62,400 (2025)
Marshalltown, IA
$41,328 (2024) → $50,325 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Marshalltown, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Davenport or Marshalltown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Marshalltown?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Marshalltown as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Davenport vs Marshalltown?
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