Massage Therapist Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $53,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Bettendorf, IA earns a median $53,525/year (≈ $25.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Bettendorf's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,209 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in Bettendorf, Iowa, stands at $53,525, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $61,975. Salary estimates for this role in the area show a range from $32,835 at the lower end to $82,964 at the upper echelon, indicating significant earning potential for skilled professionals. Factors such as tip income from spa venues often play an essential role in boosting overall compensation in this market. Given that Bettendorf's cost of living index is at 90.4, which is below the national average, the job market presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking a balance between work and remuneration.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,835 | $15.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,816 | $19.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,525 | $25.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,512 | $32.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,964 | $39.89 |
Median Salary Position
13.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
In Bettendorf, IA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,129 (2026 est.). At $53,525, the local median is 13.63% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bettendorf: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bettendorf Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Bettendorf median: $53,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bettendorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,047 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -13.63% less |
Massage Therapists in Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $53,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.63% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $56,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bettendorf has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bettendorf, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $53,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,209 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,982
2025 BLS Actual
$50,481
2026 Current Est.
$53,525
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,673 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,514 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,062 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,753 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,982 (2019) to $50,481 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,753 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,771 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf 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) | $32,835 – $40,816 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,816 – $53,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,525 – $68,512 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,512 – $82,964 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Bettendorf
With only 10 massage therapists currently employed in Bettendorf, the local job market remains relatively niche, yet there are pathways for more substantial earnings. The lower cost of living can enhance take-home pay, while the dynamics of employer types further influence earnings potential. Spas such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone generally offer lower hourly pay due to their structure and higher volume but can provide reliable bookings. Conversely, self-employed therapists can earn significantly more per session, especially in cash-pay practices. Specialty areas like oncology or sports massage could further enhance earnings. Therapists should focus on building a strong client base and consider diversifying their services to maximize income, navigating between employed and independent opportunities in this IA market.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
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 $50,481 for massage therapistsin the Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf 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