Minneapolis vs St. Cloud: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,883▲ | $54,881 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.40▲ | $26.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,781▲ | $24,546 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,420▲ | $28,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,881▲ | $65,314 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,637▲ | $82,417 |
| Total Employed | 1,290▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is $25,002 (45.56%). Minneapolis's median is +28.90% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $68,856,St. Cloud spans $57,871. Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis ($76,208 effective) pays 21.69% more than St. Cloud ($62,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,637)
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,208)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Minneapolis grew 49.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 66.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$50,560 (2019) → $75,340 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$31,030 (2019) → $51,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Minneapolis or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Cloud as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Minneapolis vs St. Cloud?
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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