Massage Therapist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $80,678 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $80,678/year (≈ $38.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $87,979 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 44.0% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, massage therapists can expect a median annual salary of $80,678, a significant premium compared to the national figure of $61,975. The salary range for this occupation spans from $48,689 at the 10th percentile to $81,982 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse employment landscape that includes both franchise operations like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, as well as independent and self-employed practices. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the robust earning potential available in the local market. Notably, the relatively high median salary suggests a competitive job market where skilled professionals can secure favorable compensation within various settings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,689 | $23.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,524 | $25.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,678 | $38.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,689 | $38.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,982 | $39.42 |
Median Salary Position
30.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,293 (2026 est.). At $80,678, the local median is 30.18% above the national median of $61,975.
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How Des Moines Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $80,678/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,027 | +44.00% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +30.18% more |
Massage Therapists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $80,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.18% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 44.00% above the Iowa state average of $56,027.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $80,678 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,979 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,430
2025 BLS Actual
$76,090
2026 Current Est.
$80,678
2019–2027 Growth
+111.6%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,678 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,543 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 88.2% from $40,430 (2019) to $76,090 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,543 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,113 (111.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $48,689 – $53,524 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,524 – $80,678 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,678 – $80,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,689 – $81,982 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Des Moines
With approximately 150 massage therapists employed in the area, Des Moines presents a diverse job market where different practice settings influence overall earnings. The cost of living index in Des Moines is 91.701, indicating that living expenses are lower than the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for professionals in this field. Among the highest-paying employers are specialized clinics and upscale spas, whereas franchise chains generally offer lower pay rates due to their structured compensation models. Factors such as tip income, especially in spas where clients often provide between 15-25% of the session fee, significantly influence overall earnings. Building a strong client base through effective marketing and specialty certifications, such as oncology or sports massage, can further enhance a therapist's income. For those pursuing massage therapist pay in Des Moines, IA, understanding the landscape and adapting to local market conditions are essential strategies for maximizing earnings in this competitive field.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 $76,090 for massage therapistsin the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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