Massage Therapist Salary in Aurora, IL: $63,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Aurora, IL earns a median $63,896/year (≈ $30.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,804 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, IL, massage therapists can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,896 in 2026, slightly above the national average of $61,975. This figure reflects a growing demand for massage services, especially with tip income adding to the overall earnings in local spas. Earnings in the area range from $37,060 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $99,038 for those in the highest percentile (P90). With local data derived from state-level BLS assessments and adjusted for regional costs, the opportunities in Aurora not only promise a decent base income but also suggest a lucrative potential for skilled therapists, particularly in specialized or high-end environments.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,060 | $17.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,005 | $22.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,896 | $30.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,786 | $39.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,038 | $47.62 |
Median Salary Position
3.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,978 (2026 est.). At $63,896, the local median is 3.1% 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: $63,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $64,737 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +3.10% more |
Massage Therapists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $63,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $64,737.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $63,896 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,804 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,147
2025 BLS Actual
$60,262
2026 Current Est.
$63,896
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 | $44,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,364 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,749 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $44,147 (2019) to $60,262 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,749 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,602 (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) | $37,060 – $46,005 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,005 – $63,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,896 – $81,786 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,786 – $99,038 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Aurora
Currently, there are 44 massage therapists employed in Aurora, contributing to a competitive market that sees a cost-of-living index of 97.1, indicating a slightly lower-than-average living cost. This environment can enhance purchasing power for local therapists compared to those in higher-cost regions. Spas often provide a path to higher earnings, with establishments like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone typically paying at the lower end of the spectrum, whereas self-employed practitioners can see significantly higher sessions rates. The income variability is primarily influenced by factors such as specialization, the balance between employed and self-employed structures, and the lucrative nature of tips that can range from 15-25% of service fees in spa settings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Aurora, focusing on building a solid clientele and pursuing niche specialties may yield the best returns.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Aurora, IL 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
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 $60,262 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