Sedalia vs St. Louis: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Sedalia, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sedalia, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,314 | $62,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.63 | $30.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,523 | $46,314▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,407 | $50,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,242 | $82,385▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,637 | $102,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sedalia.
The salary gap between Sedalia and St. Louis is $9,265 (17.38%). St. Louis's median is +0.97% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sedalia spans $50,114,St. Louis spans $55,803. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($65,812 effective) pays 10.60% more than Sedalia ($59,502 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sedalia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,117)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,812)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Sedalia grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.0% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Sedalia, MO
$36,131 (2024) → $50,282 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$35,350 (2019) → $59,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sedalia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Sedalia or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sedalia and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Sedalia to St. Louis as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Sedalia vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
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