Massage Therapist Salary in Downers Grove, IL: $61,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Downers Grove, IL earns a median $61,732/year (≈ $29.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Downers Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,576 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, Illinois, the massage therapist salary sits at a projected median of $61,732 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $61,975, suggesting that while opportunities exist in this market, they may be more modest compared to other regions. The salary range varies significantly from $37,732 at the lower end to $95,685 for those at the higher end of the pay scale. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting adjustments for the local cost of living, which can provide a more realistic picture of earnings potential. In addition to base salaries, massage therapists in spas may benefit from tip income, which can fluctuate significantly depending on both the establishment and service quality.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,732 | $18.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,972 | $22.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,732 | $29.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,017 | $37.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,685 | $46.01 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downers Grove
In Downers Grove, IL, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,953 (2026 est.). At $61,732, the local median is 0.39% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downers Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downers Grove Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Downers Grove median: $61,732/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downers Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $64,708 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -0.39% less |
Massage Therapists in Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $61,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $64,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downers Grove 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.
Downers Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $61,732 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,576 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,652
2025 BLS Actual
$58,221
2026 Current Est.
$61,732
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,652 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,665 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,454 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downers Grove metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,652 (2019) to $58,221 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,454 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,802 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove 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) | $37,732 – $46,972 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,972 – $61,732 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,732 – $79,017 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,017 – $95,685 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Downers Grove
With 11 massage therapists employed in Downers Grove, the local job market appears selective yet stable. The cost of living index of 97.1 indicates that living expenses are slightly lower than the national average, allowing for better purchasing power for those in the profession. Among the primary employers, spas like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone tend to offer consistent scheduling but often at lower wage rates compared to self-employed practices that can command higher session fees. Factors influencing salary disparities encompass the substantial earnings potential for those who specialize, such as in sports or oncology massage, and the significant gap in pay associated with franchise versus independent practices. For therapists keen on boosting their income, establishing a self-employed practice or gaining specialized certification through organizations like the AMTA or ABMP can optimize earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Downers Grove, 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 $58,221 for massage therapistsin the Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove 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