Massage Therapist Pay

Hastings vs Lincoln: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Hastings, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hastings, NE
$55,324
$26.60/hr
Lincoln, NE
$69,831
$33.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHastings, NELincoln, NE
Median Salary$55,324$69,831
Hourly Rate$26.60$33.58
Entry Level (P10)$32,088$50,651
25th Percentile$40,226$52,199
75th Percentile$70,815$99,021
Top Earner (P90)$85,753$99,021
Total Employed540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hastings ($55,324) and Lincoln ($69,831) massage therapist salaries.HastingsLincolnMedian Salary$55,324$69,831Entry Level (P10)$32,088$50,651Top Earner (P90)$85,753$99,021US Median $61,975

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.

The salary gap between Hastings and Lincoln is $14,507 (26.22%). Lincoln's median is +12.68% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $53,665,Lincoln spans $48,370. Hastings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hastings
P10 (Entry)$32,088
P25$40,226
Median$55,324
P75$70,815
P90 (Top)$85,753
Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$50,651
P25$52,199
Median$69,831
P75$99,021
P90 (Top)$99,021

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($76,251 effective) pays 26.11% more than Hastings ($60,463 effective).

Hastings
Nominal: $55,324
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $60,463
Lincoln
Nominal: $69,831
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $76,251

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hastings if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,831/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,021)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,251)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Hastings grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 74.6% growth in Lincoln over the same period.

Hastings, NE

+27.1%

$41,064 (2024) → $52,178 (2025)

Lincoln, NE

+74.6%

$37,720 (2021) → $65,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Hastings or Lincoln?

Lincoln has a higher median massage therapist salary at $69,831/year, compared to Hastings at $55,324/year — a difference of $14,507 (26.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Lincoln?

Hastings massage therapists earn $26.60/hr while Lincoln hygienists earn $33.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hastings to Lincoln as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hastings and Lincoln. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hastings = $60,463, Lincoln = $76,251), job availability (5 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Hastings vs Lincoln?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $32,088 in Hastings and $50,651 in Lincoln. The Lincoln area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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