Shawnee vs Topeka: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Shawnee, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shawnee, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,917▲ | $51,043 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40▲ | $24.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,657▲ | $31,756 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,229 | $50,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,294▲ | $70,181 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,122▲ | $70,181 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Shawnee, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Topeka.
The salary gap between Shawnee and Topeka is $3,874 (7.59%). Shawnee's median is -11.39% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shawnee spans $52,465,Topeka spans $38,425. Shawnee 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, Shawnee ($60,415 effective) pays 5.13% more than Topeka ($57,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,917/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,122)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,415)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Shawnee grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Shawnee, KS
$37,217 (2024) → $51,794 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$39,380 (2019) → $48,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shawnee, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Shawnee or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shawnee and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Shawnee to Topeka 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