Duluth vs St. Cloud: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Duluth, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,141▲ | $54,881 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.36▲ | $26.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,791▲ | $24,546 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,641▲ | $28,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,631▲ | $65,314 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,631▲ | $82,417 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $8,260 (15.05%). 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,St. Cloud spans $57,871. St. Cloud 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 13.58% more than St. Cloud ($62,627 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 St. Cloud 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 66.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$51,060 (2019) → $59,550 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$31,030 (2019) → $51,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Duluth or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Duluth to St. Cloud as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
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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