Des Moines vs Dubuque: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,678▲ | $56,692 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.79▲ | $27.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,689▲ | $32,881 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,524▲ | $41,707 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,689▲ | $72,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,982 | $87,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $23,986 (42.31%). 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 Des Moines spans $33,293,Dubuque spans $54,991. Dubuque 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, Des Moines ($87,979 effective) pays 40.29% more than Dubuque ($62,712 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,872)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Des Moines grew 88.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$40,430 (2019) → $76,090 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$34,870 (2019) → $53,468 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Des Moines or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Dubuque as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Des Moines vs Dubuque?
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