Moorhead vs St. Paul: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Moorhead, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moorhead, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,709 | $79,081▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.23 | $38.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,650 | $45,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,239 | $58,428▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,148 | $101,225▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,999 | $122,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.
The salary gap between Moorhead and St. Paul is $20,372 (34.70%). St. Paul's median is +27.60% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moorhead spans $54,349,St. Paul spans $76,708. St. Paul 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. Paul ($80,285 effective) pays 34.70% more than Moorhead ($59,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Moorhead if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,576)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,285)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Moorhead grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Moorhead, MN
$49,260 (2024) → $55,370 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$53,241 (2024) → $74,584 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Moorhead, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Moorhead or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Moorhead and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Moorhead to St. Paul as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Moorhead vs St. Paul?
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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