Lincoln vs Omaha: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,831▲ | $55,083 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.58▲ | $26.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,651▲ | $47,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,199 | $53,683▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,021▲ | $83,849 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,021 | $101,842▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln and Omaha are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Omaha is $14,748 (26.77%). 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 Lincoln spans $48,370,Omaha spans $54,075. Omaha 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, Lincoln ($76,251 effective) pays 27.23% more than Omaha ($59,931 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,831/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,251)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,842)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Lincoln grew 74.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$37,720 (2021) → $65,860 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$42,320 (2019) → $51,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Lincoln or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Omaha as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Lincoln vs Omaha?
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