Evanston vs Peoria: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Evanston, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evanston, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,342▲ | $59,663 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.93▲ | $28.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,318▲ | $33,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,327 | $47,639▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,358▲ | $66,481 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,731▲ | $81,516 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Evanston, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Evanston and Peoria is $4,679 (7.84%). Evanston's median is +3.82% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evanston spans $62,413,Peoria spans $48,435. Evanston 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, Evanston ($66,264 effective) pays 1.32% more than Peoria ($65,398 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evanston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,342/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,731)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,264)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Evanston grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.0% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Evanston, IL
$48,278 (2024) → $60,683 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$37,260 (2019) → $56,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evanston, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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