Salina vs Wichita: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Salina, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salina, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,511▲ | $49,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.21▲ | $23.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,576▲ | $27,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,408▲ | $38,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,774▲ | $58,444 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,492▲ | $78,271 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Salina, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Salina and Wichita is $5,143 (10.42%). Salina's median is -12.04% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salina spans $49,916,Wichita spans $50,640. Wichita 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, Salina ($59,968 effective) pays 8.04% 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 Salina if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,511/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,492)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,968)
- ✓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 Salina grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Salina, KS
$36,942 (2024) → $51,411 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,650 (2019) → $46,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salina, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Salina or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salina and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Salina to Wichita as a massage therapist?
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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