Joliet vs Rockford: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Joliet, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,288 | $64,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.91 | $31.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,384 | $38,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,716 | $54,128▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,289 | $85,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,647▲ | $85,693 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Joliet.
The salary gap between Joliet and Rockford is $263 (0.41%). Rockford's median is +4.16% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joliet spans $62,263,Rockford spans $46,769. Joliet 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, Rockford ($70,047 effective) pays 5.80% more than Joliet ($66,208 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joliet if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,647)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,551/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,047)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Joliet grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Joliet, IL
$48,237 (2024) → $60,632 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joliet, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Joliet or Rockford?
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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