Lawrence vs Overland Park: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Lawrence, KS and Overland Park, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Overland Park, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,827 | $57,255▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.92 | $27.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,323▲ | $33,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,459▲ | $41,223 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,207 | $73,287▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,026 | $88,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Lawrence and Overland Park is $5,428 (10.47%). Overland Park's median is -7.62% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $28,703,Overland Park spans $55,537. Overland Park 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, Overland Park ($62,987 effective) pays 9.67% more than Lawrence ($57,430 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,745)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,987)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Lawrence grew 2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Overland Park over the same period.
Lawrence, KS
$47,940 (2024) → $48,880 (2025)
Overland Park, KS
$38,802 (2024) → $53,999 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lawrence, KS
Overland Park, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Lawrence or Overland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Overland Park?
Should I relocate from Lawrence to Overland Park as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Lawrence vs Overland Park?
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