Peoria vs Urbana: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Peoria, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,663 | $64,622▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.68 | $31.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,081 | $40,863▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,639 | $50,179▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,481 | $82,716▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,516 | $100,164▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Urbana, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Peoria and Urbana is $4,959 (8.31%). Urbana's median is +4.27% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Peoria spans $48,435,Urbana spans $59,301. Urbana 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, Urbana ($66,552 effective) pays 1.77% more than Peoria ($65,398 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,622/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,164)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,552)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Peoria grew 51.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$37,260 (2019) → $56,270 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$46,922 (2024) → $60,947 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Peoria or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Urbana as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Peoria vs Urbana?
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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