Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $34,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Great Falls, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,487 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Great Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.2 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,849 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,461) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, Montana, those entering the massage therapy field can expect to earn a starting salary of approximately $34,487 per year in 2026, which is below the city median of $59,461. This significant gap illustrates the typical trajectory many new graduates face as they build their skills and clientele over the first few years. As entry-level professionals gain experience, they can realistically anticipate their earnings to rise to $42,812 at the 25th percentile within a few years, bringing them closer to the median income. The growing job market, projected at an annual growth rate of 6.03%, indicates that Great Falls represents a favorable locale for fresh graduates to establish their careers as massage therapists, particularly if they remain proactive about finding opportunities.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Great Falls
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 Great Falls
Entry-level massage therapists in Great Falls, MT typically start between $34,487 and $42,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,676 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,461 — 4.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Montana of $9,000 represents just 26.10% of the starting massage therapist pay ($34,487/year) in Great Falls. 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 Great Falls
- 1Research the Great Falls market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $34,487 to $42,812, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Great Falls'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 Great Falls is $57,676 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,487, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,163.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,088
2025 BLS Actual
$32,526
2026 Current Est.
$34,487
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,088 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,078 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,567 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Great Falls, MT grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,088 in 2019 to $32,526 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,567. New graduates entering the Great Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Newly licensed massage therapists in Great Falls can consider various employment options. Franchise chains like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone often welcome new grads, providing quick onboarding and a steady stream of clients, though they may offer lower, hourly compensation compared to self-employed practices. In contrast, working at chiropractic or physical therapy clinics can yield more stable pay along with benefits, but typically less room for tips. Gradually building credentials through state-approved programs, passing the MBLEx national exam, and obtaining a state license can enhance starting pay. Moreover, engaging in continuing education offered by professional associations such as ABMP and AMTA can lead to specialization and higher earning potential. Within the first year, therapists might expect a modest salary increase as they establish themselves, with continued growth seen as they navigate their careers over the subsequent years.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
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 Great Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Great Falls 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