Shawnee vs Wichita: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Shawnee, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shawnee, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,917▲ | $49,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40▲ | $23.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,657▲ | $27,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,229▲ | $38,468 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,294▲ | $58,444 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,122▲ | $78,271 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Shawnee, KS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Shawnee and Wichita is $5,549 (11.24%). 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,Wichita spans $50,640. 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 8.85% 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 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 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 Shawnee grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Shawnee, KS
$37,217 (2024) → $51,794 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$38,650 (2019) → $46,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shawnee, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Shawnee or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Shawnee and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Shawnee to Wichita as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Shawnee vs Wichita?
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