Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Roseville, MN: $35,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Roseville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,453 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,993 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,377) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a starting massage therapist salary in Roseville is projected to be around $35,453, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $60,377. For new graduates entering the workforce, this gap highlights the importance of setting realistic salary expectations. Over the first few years, many will find growth opportunities, moving from the entry-level position to about $44,916, and potentially reaching the median salary if they stay in the field and gain experience. The overall job market for massage therapists appears promising, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.03%, indicating that Roseville is a viable place for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in massage therapy.
About the Roseville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseville
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 Roseville
Entry-level massage therapists in Roseville, MN typically start between $35,453 and $44,916 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,131 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,377 — 2.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Minnesota of $12,000 represents just 33.85% of the starting massage therapist pay ($35,453/year) in Roseville. 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 Roseville
- 1Research the Roseville market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $35,453 to $44,916, 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 Roseville, 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 Roseville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseville'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 Roseville is $58,131 ( 163.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,453, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,584.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,678
2025 BLS Actual
$33,437
2026 Current Est.
$35,453
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Roseville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,678 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,302 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,865 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,591 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Roseville, MN grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,678 in 2019 to $33,437 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,591. New graduates entering the Roseville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseville 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 Roseville
When considering employment opportunities in Roseville, new graduates might explore various employers to maximize their earning potential. Franchise chains such as Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements are known for hiring newly licensed therapists, providing a fast track into the field with steady bookings but typically lower pay rates. In contrast, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics may offer more stable hourly wages and benefits, while high-end resort spas tend to favor experienced therapists and can be more selective. To improve starting pay, obtaining credentials such as the MBLEx, securing a state license, and considering further training through organizations like ABMP or AMTA can be helpful. In the first few years, therapists should be prepared for realistic salary growth as they gain experience and clientele, especially if they explore self-employment options where earnings can be significantly higher, albeit with the responsibility for expenses and marketing efforts.
More salary data for Roseville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for massage therapists in Roseville in 2026?
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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 Roseville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseville 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