Olathe vs Topeka: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Olathe, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olathe, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,527▲ | $51,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.18▲ | $24.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,736▲ | $31,756 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,610 | $50,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,354▲ | $70,181 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,617▲ | $70,181 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Olathe and Topeka is $5,484 (10.74%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olathe spans $53,881,Topeka spans $38,425. Olathe 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, Olathe ($62,186 effective) pays 8.21% more than Topeka ($57,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,527/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,617)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,186)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Olathe grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Olathe, KS
$38,308 (2024) → $53,312 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$39,380 (2019) → $48,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olathe, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Olathe or Topeka?
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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