Emporia vs Lawrence: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Emporia, KS and Lawrence, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Emporia, KS | Lawrence, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,008▲ | $51,827 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.00▲ | $24.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,675 | $40,323▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,107 | $47,459▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,570▲ | $59,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,612▲ | $69,026 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Emporia, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Emporia and Lawrence is $181 (0.35%). Emporia's median is -16.08% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Emporia spans $47,937,Lawrence spans $28,703. Emporia 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, Lawrence ($57,430 effective) pays 0.38% more than Emporia ($57,215 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Emporia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,008/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,612)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,430)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Emporia grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Emporia, KS
$35,246 (2024) → $49,050 (2025)
Lawrence, KS
$47,940 (2024) → $48,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Emporia, KS
Lawrence, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Emporia or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Emporia and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Emporia to Lawrence as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Emporia vs Lawrence?
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