Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $33,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,942 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,430 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,186) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an entry-level massage therapist salary in Rawlins projected at $33,942 for 2026, new graduates should have realistic expectations regarding their first jobs. This initial pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the area’s median salary of $58,186. Aspiring therapists can anticipate a growth trajectory over their first few years, moving from the entry-level pay through to $43,154 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience and skills. Given the expected annual growth rate of 6.03%, Rawlins may present a favorable market for new graduates, especially with a lower cost of living index in comparison to national averages.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level massage therapists in Rawlins, WY typically start between $33,942 and $43,154 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,246 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,186 — 6.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Wyoming of $9,000 represents just 26.52% of the starting massage therapist pay ($33,942/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $33,942 to $43,154, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $56,246 ( 165.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,942, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,188.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,755
2025 BLS Actual
$32,012
2026 Current Est.
$33,942
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,267 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,635 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,012 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,989 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,755 in 2019 to $32,012 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,989. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
In Rawlins, several employers actively hire newly licensed massage therapists, with franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements being the primary entry points. These establishments tend to offer steady booking and quick onboarding, making them attractive for fresh graduates. However, it's important to note that these positions often come with lower pay compared to self-employed practices, which can yield significantly higher earnings—up to $150 per hour for cash-pay sessions. To enhance starting pay in Wyoming, it's beneficial for new grads to complete a 500-1,000 hour massage therapy program, pass the MBLEx exam, and obtain a state license, along with liability insurance from organizations like ABMP or AMTA. Additionally, pursuing further credentials, such as NCBTMB board certification, can pave the way for higher earnings. In the first three years, realistic salary growth expectations would likely align with increasing experience and clientele, positioning graduates favorably as they establish their careers in the local massage therapy community.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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