Oak Park vs Rockford: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Oak Park, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Park, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,234 | $64,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.89 | $31.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,256 | $38,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,617 | $54,128▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,220 | $85,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,563▲ | $85,693 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Park.
The salary gap between Oak Park and Rockford is $317 (0.49%). 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 Oak Park spans $62,307,Rockford spans $46,769. Oak Park 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 5.89% more than Oak Park ($66,152 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,563)
- ✓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 Oak Park grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Oak Park, IL
$48,197 (2024) → $60,581 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Park, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Oak Park or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Park and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Oak Park to Rockford as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Oak Park vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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