Massage Therapist Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $62,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $62,736/year (≈ $30.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Carol Stream, Illinois, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,736, slightly above the national median of $61,975. The local salary range for this profession varies significantly, spanning from $36,386 at the 10th percentile to $97,240 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data supplemented by BEA Regional Price Parities, considering local economic conditions in Carol Stream. With a blend of employment options in the area, from franchise operations like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone to independent practices, the compensation varies considerably based on the employment structure. Independent therapists often see higher earning potential due to the flexibility in service pricing and reduced commission structures compared to their franchise counterparts.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,386 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,959 | $23.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,736 | $30.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,302 | $38.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,240 | $46.75 |
Median Salary Position
1.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,854 (2026 est.). At $62,736, the local median is 1.23% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $62,736/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $64,676 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +1.23% more |
Massage Therapists in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $62,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.23% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $64,676.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream 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.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $62,736 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,610 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,346
2025 BLS Actual
$59,168
2026 Current Est.
$62,736
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,346 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,073 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,519 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $43,346 (2019) to $59,168 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,519 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,173 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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) | $36,386 – $48,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,959 – $62,736 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,736 – $80,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,302 – $97,240 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Carol Stream
Employment for massage therapists in Carol Stream stands at approximately ten, which indicates a relatively small but stable job market. The local cost of living index at 97.1 suggests that living expenses are slightly below the national average, allowing for better purchasing power relative to earnings. Franchises tend to offer lower pay scales compared to independent practices, with the latter often benefiting from direct cash-pay models that can yield higher hourly rates. The difference between the lower and upper ends of the salary spectrum in Carol Stream is influenced by factors like specialty services, tip income from clientele in spas, and the choice between self-employment and traditional employment. To maximize pay in this market, therapists should consider building a robust self-employed portfolio while specializing in high-demand services. Engaging with industry associations like ABMP and AMTA can provide valuable resources for marketing and professional development, further enhancing earning potential.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
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
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 $59,168 for massage therapistsin the Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream 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