Kirkwood vs St. Louis: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Kirkwood, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,072 | $62,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.48 | $30.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,651 | $46,314▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,159 | $50,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,492 | $82,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,362 | $102,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and St. Louis is $7,507 (13.63%). St. Louis's median is +0.97% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $52,711,St. Louis spans $55,803. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($65,812 effective) pays 7.07% more than Kirkwood ($61,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,117)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,812)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Kirkwood grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.0% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$37,322 (2024) → $51,940 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$35,350 (2019) → $59,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Kirkwood or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to St. Louis as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Kirkwood vs St. Louis?
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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