Massage Therapist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $62,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $62,553/year (≈ $30.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist salary in Des Plaines, IL, is projected to be $62,553 annually, which positions it slightly above the national median of $61,975. This figure represents a wide salary range, with the lowest 10% earning about $36,382 and the highest 90% achieving approximately $96,958. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, along with regional cost adjustments, suggest that most massage therapists find themselves navigating an income spectrum influenced heavily by their employment setting. Franchise operations like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone tend to offer a more stable but lower pay structure as compared to independent practitioners who may experience more fluctuation but have greater earnings potential, especially in a market like Des Plaines.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,382 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,038 | $21.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,553 | $30.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,069 | $38.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,958 | $46.61 |
Median Salary Position
0.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,576 (2026 est.). At $62,553, the local median is 0.93% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $62,553/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $64,688 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +0.93% more |
Massage Therapists in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $62,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $64,688.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines 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.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $62,553 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,421 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,220
2025 BLS Actual
$58,996
2026 Current Est.
$62,553
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,348 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $43,220 (2019) to $58,996 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,105 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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) | $36,382 – $45,038 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,038 – $62,553 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,553 – $80,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,069 – $96,958 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Des Plaines
A closer look at the job market reveals a modest cohort of 12 massage therapists currently employed in this area, which may indicate opportunities for growth considering the low local competition in the field. The cost of living index for Des Plaines, at 97.1, highlights a slightly below-average expense relative to national standards, benefiting those working in this market. Among local employers, franchise chains generally pay less than independent or self-employed therapists, who can command higher session fees, especially if specializing in lucrative niches such as sports or prenatal therapy. This disparity arises from several factors including overhead costs, tips of 15-25% at spas, and the varying compensation structures between salaried and commissioned positions. Therapists aspiring to maximize their pay might consider building a strong self-marketing strategy, tapping into niche markets, or developing loyalty programs that incentivize repeat clients in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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 $58,996 for massage therapistsin the Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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