Duluth vs Mankato: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Duluth, MN and Mankato, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Mankato, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,141▲ | $58,695 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.36▲ | $28.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,791▲ | $36,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,641▲ | $45,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,631▲ | $75,130 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,631▲ | $90,977 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mankato.
The salary gap between Duluth and Mankato is $4,446 (7.57%). Duluth's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $44,840,Mankato spans $54,358. Mankato 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, Duluth ($71,130 effective) pays 19.37% more than Mankato ($59,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,141/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,631)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,130)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Mankato if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Duluth grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Mankato over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$51,060 (2019) → $59,550 (2025)
Mankato, MN
$44,020 (2019) → $55,357 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Mankato, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Duluth or Mankato?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Mankato?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Mankato as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Duluth vs Mankato?
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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