Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Edina, MN: $34,324 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,324 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,847 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,015) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the massage therapy field in Edina, MN can expect a starting salary around $34,324, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $59,015. This gap highlights the realities of beginning one's career while still positioning potential for upward mobility. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can anticipate gradual increases, transitioning through entry-level roles that begin at $34,324 towards more established pay brackets like the $43,728 mark for 25th percentile earnings. With a projected annual growth rate of 6.03%, Edina offers a promising job market for entry-level massage therapists, making it an appealing choice for those newly licensed or about to graduate.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
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 Edina
Entry-level massage therapists in Edina, MN typically start between $34,324 and $43,728 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,149 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,015 — 4.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Minnesota of $12,000 represents just 34.96% of the starting massage therapist pay ($34,324/year) in Edina. 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 Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $34,324 to $43,728, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edina, 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 Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina'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 Edina is $57,149 ( 166.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,324, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,473.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,988
2025 BLS Actual
$32,372
2026 Current Est.
$34,324
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,988 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,729 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,324 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,394 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,988 in 2019 to $32,372 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,394. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 Edina
When considering employment opportunities in Edina, several notable employers are well-known for hiring recent graduates. Franchise chains such as Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements typically onboard new licensed therapists quickly, providing stable hours but with lower starting pay compared to self-employed avenues. For those interested in positions that offer consistent benefits, local chiropractic clinics and physical therapy practices can offer reliable hourly wages, though tips may be limited. To improve starting wages, potential hires should complete a 500-1,000 hour massage therapy program from an accredited institution, pass the MBLEx exam, and obtain necessary state licensing. Membership in industry associations like ABMP or AMTA and seeking additional training or board certification can further enhance pay prospects. In the first few years, those striving to build their practices may find that while franchise employment offers security, pursuing self-employed opportunities, albeit with higher overhead and the need for individual marketing, can yield significant hourly earnings between $80-$150 for direct pay sessions.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
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 Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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