Massage Therapist Pay

Indianapolis vs Munster: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Munster, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Indianapolis, IN
$60,278
$28.98/hr
Munster, IN
$52,209
$25.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIndianapolis, INMunster, IN
Median Salary$60,278$52,209
Hourly Rate$28.98$25.10
Entry Level (P10)$41,998$32,510
25th Percentile$51,170$40,050
75th Percentile$79,607$66,828
Top Earner (P90)$92,034$80,924
Total Employed6604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Indianapolis ($60,278) and Munster ($52,209) massage therapist salaries.IndianapolisMunsterMedian Salary$60,278$52,209Entry Level (P10)$41,998$32,510Top Earner (P90)$92,034$80,924US Median $61,975

Verdict

Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Munster.

The salary gap between Indianapolis and Munster is $8,069 (15.46%). Indianapolis's median is -2.74% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $50,036,Munster spans $48,414. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Indianapolis
P10 (Entry)$41,998
P25$51,170
Median$60,278
P75$79,607
P90 (Top)$92,034
Munster
P10 (Entry)$32,510
P25$40,050
Median$52,209
P75$66,828
P90 (Top)$80,924

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($62,989 effective) pays 10.15% more than Munster ($57,184 effective).

Indianapolis
Nominal: $60,278
CoL Index: 95.696
Adjusted: $62,989
Munster
Nominal: $52,209
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $57,184

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Indianapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,278/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($92,034)
  • Larger job market (660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,989)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Munster if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Indianapolis grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Munster over the same period.

Indianapolis, IN

+42.4%

$39,930 (2019) → $56,850 (2025)

Munster, IN

+33.2%

$36,963 (2024) → $49,240 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Indianapolis or Munster?

Indianapolis has a higher median massage therapist salary at $60,278/year, compared to Munster at $52,209/year — a difference of $8,069 (15.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Munster?

Indianapolis massage therapists earn $28.98/hr while Munster hygienists earn $25.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Munster as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Indianapolis and Munster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Indianapolis = $62,989, Munster = $57,184), job availability (660 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Indianapolis vs Munster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $41,998 in Indianapolis and $32,510 in Munster. The Indianapolis 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