Massage Therapist Salary in Aurora, CO: $62,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Aurora, CO earns a median $62,729/year (≈ $30.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $59,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Aurora, Colorado, is $62,729, which slightly exceeds the national median of $61,975. Salaries in the area can range from a low of $36,383 at the 10th percentile to as high as $97,231 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, with local cost adjustments taken into account. Considering tips and the various employer settings, the actual earning potential may vary significantly, reflecting the diverse practices and clientele within the Aurora market. This compensation landscape highlights the evolving demand for skilled massage therapists in the community.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,383 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,471 | $21.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,729 | $30.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,293 | $38.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,231 | $46.75 |
Median Salary Position
1.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,848 (2026 est.). At $62,729, the local median is 1.22% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Aurora median: $62,729/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $65,480 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +1.22% more |
Massage Therapists in Aurora, CO earn a median of $62,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 4.20% below the Colorado state average of $65,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,729 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,742 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,342
2025 BLS Actual
$59,162
2026 Current Est.
$62,729
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,342 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,481 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,467 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,984 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $43,342 (2019) to $59,162 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,170 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,383 – $45,471 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,471 – $62,729 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,729 – $80,293 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,293 – $97,231 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Aurora
The job market for massage therapists in Aurora is relatively stable, with about 54 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 105, meaning that while take-home pay may be robust, it's essential to consider living expenses when evaluating overall compensation. Among the different types of employers, spas, particularly high-end establishments, often pay more than franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. This discrepancy arises from factors such as tip income—where therapists can earn an additional 15-25% of their session fees—and the specialization of services offered, with higher rates for oncology, sports, or prenatal sessions. For those looking to maximize their earnings, building a self-employed practice or working in high-end spa settings can prove beneficial, allowing skilled therapists to charge directly for their services while also potentially increasing client volume through effective marketing strategies.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Aurora, CO in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Aurora?
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,162 for massage therapistsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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