Overland Park vs Wichita: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Overland Park, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Overland Park, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,255▲ | $49,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.53▲ | $23.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,208▲ | $27,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,223▲ | $38,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,287▲ | $58,444 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,745▲ | $78,271 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Overland Park, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Overland Park and Wichita is $7,887 (15.98%). Overland Park's median is -7.62% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Overland Park spans $55,537,Wichita spans $50,640. Overland 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, Overland Park ($62,987 effective) pays 13.48% more than Wichita ($55,503 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Overland Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,745)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,987)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Overland Park grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Overland Park, KS
$38,802 (2024) → $53,999 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,650 (2019) → $46,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Overland Park, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Overland Park or Wichita?
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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