Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Pueblo, CO: $52,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Pueblo, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,835 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pueblo's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,578 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,053) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the massage therapy field in Pueblo, Colorado can anticipate starting salaries around $52,835. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary in the area of $64,053, it provides a realistic entry point for those just beginning their careers. The growth potential in this field is promising, as therapists typically see their earnings increase over the first few years, moving from entry-level pay to the 25th percentile at approximately $61,900. Therefore, the Pueblo market presents a favorable opportunity for entry-level massage therapists, especially with the projected annual growth rate of 6.03% over the next five years. New grads should leverage this trajectory as they build their skills and client base.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pueblo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pueblo
Entry-level massage therapists in Pueblo, CO typically start between $52,835 and $61,900 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,755 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,053 — 3.35% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Colorado of $11,000 represents just 20.82% of the starting massage therapist pay ($52,835/year) in Pueblo. 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 Pueblo
- 1Research the Pueblo market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $52,835 to $61,900, 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 Pueblo, 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 Pueblo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pueblo's below-average 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 Pueblo is $44,755 ( 84.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,835, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,590.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,307
2025 BLS Actual
$49,830
2026 Current Est.
$52,835
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,447 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,016 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,021 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Pueblo, CO grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,307 in 2019 to $49,830 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,021. New graduates entering the Pueblo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Pueblo
In Pueblo, various employers actively seek to hire new massage therapy graduates, providing pathways to kick-start careers. Franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements typically employ many recent graduates due to their expedited onboarding processes. Alternatively, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics offer more stable hourly wages and often include benefits, albeit with limited tipping opportunities. For those aiming for higher compensation, self-employment is a viable option; cash-pay practitioners can earn $80 to $150 per session but bear the full burden of self-marketing and overhead costs. To boost starting pay, credentials such as a 500-1,000 hour program from a state-approved school, passing the MBLEx, and obtaining liability insurance are essential. Engaging with industry organizations like ABMP and AMTA can also open doors for continuing education and specialty training, further enhancing job prospects in this growing field.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
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
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 Pueblo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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