Massage Therapist Salary in North Liberty, IA: $52,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in North Liberty, IA earns a median $52,835/year (≈ $25.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in North Liberty's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $58,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in North Liberty, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,835. This figure represents a notable difference when compared to the national average of $61,975, highlighting a slightly lower compensation level for local practitioners. The salary range spans from $30,644 at the 10th percentile to $81,894 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, suggest a diverse earning potential in the North Liberty market. For those considering a career in massage therapy here, self-employment can present lucrative opportunities, but therapists must also factor in the overhead costs and marketing burdens that come with running their own practice.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,644 | $14.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,126 | $20.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,835 | $25.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,628 | $32.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,894 | $39.37 |
Median Salary Position
14.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Liberty
In North Liberty, IA, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,250 (2026 est.). At $52,835, the local median is 14.75% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Liberty: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Liberty Massage Therapist Pay Compares
North Liberty median: $52,835/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Liberty Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,028 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -14.75% less |
Massage Therapists in North Liberty, IA earn a median of $52,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $56,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Liberty 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.
North Liberty, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $52,835 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,505
2025 BLS Actual
$49,830
2026 Current Est.
$52,835
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,505 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,187 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,507 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,153 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Liberty metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,505 (2019) to $49,830 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,516 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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) | $30,644 – $42,126 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,126 – $52,835 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,835 – $67,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,628 – $81,894 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in North Liberty
Currently, North Liberty employs six massage therapists, indicating a relatively niche job market that can benefit from specialized skill sets or unique service offerings. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, taking home pay in this area allows for some flexibility, although it's essential to consider how it influences purchasing power. Employers contributing to higher wages typically include upscale spas and clinics focusing on wellness and rehabilitation services. The variance in pay stems from multiple factors, such as the differences between self-employed therapists and those employed at franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, which typically offer lower hourly rates. For therapists looking to maximize their massage therapist pay in North Liberty, pursuing specialization in areas like sports or oncology can elevate earnings, while building a loyal client base and seeking tips can further enhance overall income.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $49,830 for massage therapistsin the North Liberty 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 North Liberty 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