Normal vs Rockford: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Normal, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,733 | $64,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15 | $31.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,385 | $38,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,319 | $54,128▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,298 | $85,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,236▲ | $85,693 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Normal.
The salary gap between Normal and Rockford is $1,818 (2.90%). Rockford's median is +4.16% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Normal spans $60,851,Rockford spans $46,769. Normal 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, Rockford ($70,047 effective) pays 8.42% more than Normal ($64,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,236)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,551/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,047)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Normal grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Normal, IL
$47,071 (2024) → $59,165 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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