St. Louis vs Columbia: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,579▲ | $56,423 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.09▲ | $27.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,314▲ | $32,725 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,640▲ | $40,624 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,385▲ | $72,221 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,117▲ | $87,456 |
| Total Employed | 1,010▲ | 23 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $6,156 (10.91%). 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 St. Louis spans $55,803,Columbia spans $54,731. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($65,812 effective) pays 4.51% more than Columbia ($62,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in St. Louis grew 67.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.3% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$35,350 (2019) → $59,020 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$34,940 (2020) → $53,214 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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