Rockford vs Skokie: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Rockford, IL and Skokie, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Skokie, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,551▲ | $63,255 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.03▲ | $30.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,924▲ | $37,835 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,128▲ | $46,317 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,227▲ | $80,967 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,693 | $98,046▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Skokie.
The salary gap between Rockford and Skokie is $1,296 (2.05%). 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 Rockford spans $46,769,Skokie spans $60,211. Skokie 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, Rockford ($70,047 effective) pays 7.53% more than Skokie ($65,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Skokie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,046)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Rockford grew 26.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Skokie over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$48,280 (2019) → $60,880 (2025)
Skokie, IL
$47,463 (2024) → $59,658 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Skokie, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Rockford or Skokie?
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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