DeKalb vs Peoria: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between DeKalb, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,264▲ | $59,663 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.93▲ | $28.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,928▲ | $33,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,020▲ | $47,639 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,697▲ | $66,481 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,510▲ | $81,516 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 120▲ |
Verdict
DeKalb, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Peoria is $2,601 (4.36%). DeKalb's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $57,582,Peoria spans $48,435. DeKalb 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, Peoria ($65,398 effective) pays 1.99% more than DeKalb ($64,124 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,264/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,510)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,398)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in DeKalb grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.0% growth in Peoria over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$46,719 (2024) → $58,723 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$37,260 (2019) → $56,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: DeKalb or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Peoria?
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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