Massage Therapist Pay

Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Broomfield, CO: $39,319 (2026)

Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Broomfield, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,319 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Broomfield's local price level (BEA RPP 105.05% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,447 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,495) within a few years of clinical practice.

$39,319
Starting Salary
$18.91/hr
Starting Hourly
$39,319
Entry Level
$64,495
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Massage Therapist Entry Level Salary in Broomfield, CO — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Broomfield, CO massage therapist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

With a starting massage therapist salary in Broomfield projected at $39,319 for 2026, recent graduates entering the field can expect an income that sits noticeably below the city's median annual earnings of $64,495. Despite this initial gap, new therapists have opportunities for financial growth as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Over the first few years, it is realistic to aim for earnings that can rise to the 25th percentile at $49,194 as therapists develop their client base and improve their craft. Given the strong demand for massage therapy in the area, with a projected growth rate of 6.03%, Broomfield represents a solid market for aspiring therapists looking to establish their careers.

About the Broomfield Market

Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Broomfield

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$39,319/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$49,194/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$64,495/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$82,554/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Broomfield

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for massage therapists in Broomfield. The median salary is $64,495, compared to the national median of $61,975.$35.4K$52.8K$70.2K$87.6K$105.0K$39.3K10th Pctl$49.2K25th Pctl$64.5KMedian$82.6K75th Pctl$100.0K90th PctlUS Median$62.0K

Entry-level massage therapists in Broomfield, CO typically start between $39,319 and $49,194 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,648 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,4954.07% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of massage therapist pay in the Broomfield metro area.

Return on Investment

$11,000
Avg CO Program Cost
$39,319
Starting Salary
27.98%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average massage therapy program cost in Colorado of $11,000 represents just 27.98% of the starting massage therapist pay ($39,319/year) in Broomfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on COMTA-accredited and state-approved massage therapy program data. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private massage school) and required hours (varies by state licensing).

LMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Broomfield

  • 1Research the Broomfield market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $39,319 to $49,194, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the massage therapy field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Broomfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Broomfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Broomfield's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Massage Therapist Compensation Range

The massage therapist wage spread in Broomfield is $60,648 ( 154.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,319, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,967.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$24,042

2025 BLS Actual

$37,083

2026 Current Est.

$39,319

2019–2027 Growth

+73.4%

Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Broomfield (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for massage therapists in Broomfield. Baseline $24,042 in 2025, projected to $41,690 by 2027.$20.5K$26.7K$32.9K$39.0K$45.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$24.0K$24.9K$27.0K$32.0K$35.5K$39.0K$37.1K$39.3K$41.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$24,042Actual
2020$24,891Actual
2021$26,952Actual
2022$32,012Actual
2023$35,540Actual
2024$39,002Actual
2025$37,083Actual
2026(current)$39,319Estimated
2027$41,690Projected

Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Broomfield, CO grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,042 in 2019 to $37,083 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,690. New graduates entering the Broomfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Broomfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your massage therapy Career in Broomfield

In Broomfield, several employers actively seek to hire new graduates in massage therapy, with franchise chains such as Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements offering rapid onboarding processes. These employers typically provide a steady income for entry-level therapists, albeit at lower starting pay compared to self-employed counterparts. For those looking to increase their marketability, completing a state-approved massage therapy program of 500-1,000 hours, passing the MBLEx or a state-specific exam, and obtaining a state license are vital steps. Furthermore, involvement with professional organizations such as AMTA and ABMP can provide resources and support. Career strategy in the first few years should also include weighing the benefits of working at a franchise versus becoming self-employed—while gigs in a franchise may offer less initially, self-employed therapists often find higher earning potential, provided they handle their own marketing and overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for massage therapists in Broomfield in 2026?

Entry-level massage therapists in Broomfield start at approximately $39,319/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 6.03% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $18.90/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do massage therapist salaries grow in Broomfield?

Most massage therapists in Broomfield progress from the entry-level salary of $39,319 to the area median of $64,495 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $99,967 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is massage therapy school worth it in Broomfield?

With a starting salary of $39,319/year in Broomfield and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new massage therapists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new massage therapists make right out of school in Broomfield?

New massage therapy graduates in Broomfield typically start near the 10th percentile at $39,319/year, or approximately $18.90/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a massage therapist in Colorado?

To become a licensed massage therapist in Colorado, you typically need completion of a state-approved massage therapy program (typically 500-1000 hours), passing the mblex (massage and bodywork licensing examination) or equivalent state-recognized exam, and state licensure (varies — most states require licensure; a few municipalities regulate independently)., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Colorado, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some massage therapists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Colorado

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new massage therapy graduates. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Broomfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Broomfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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