Massage Therapist Salary in Gardner, KS: $52,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Gardner, KS earns a median $52,241/year (≈ $25.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $57,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, the projected figure for massage therapist salary in 2026 is $52,241, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975, reflecting a difference of about 15.71%. Those working within franchise chains such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone can expect to earn on the lower end of the spectrum, with salaries ranging from $33,213 (P10) to $80,974 (P90) annually. Local data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates, indicates that earnings can significantly vary based on employment type, with independent and self-employed therapists often managing to secure higher pay rates due to direct client relationships and the ability to charge premium prices for specialized services. Given this environment, the job market remains competitive, influencing how therapists negotiate their compensation.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,213 | $15.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,571 | $19.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,241 | $25.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,869 | $32.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,974 | $38.93 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,761 (2026 est.). At $52,241, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Gardner median: $52,241/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $56,355 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -15.71% less |
Massage Therapists in Gardner, KS earn a median of $52,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $56,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $52,241 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,471 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,095
2025 BLS Actual
$49,270
2026 Current Est.
$52,241
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,769 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,029 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,404 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,391 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,095 (2019) to $49,270 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,296 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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) | $33,213 – $40,571 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,571 – $52,241 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,241 – $66,869 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,869 – $80,974 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Gardner
The employment landscape for massage therapists in Gardner shows a modest representation, with only six practitioners currently working in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating that expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of those earning within the local salary range. Among various settings, those at higher-end spas or specialized clinics might receive better compensation compared to franchise settings. The disparity in earnings presents an opportunity for therapists to maximize their pay by focusing on niche services such as prenatal or sports massage, which can attract clients willing to pay more. Building a loyal customer base and promoting through local channels can supplement income significantly, especially for self-employed therapists who may benefit from not only service fees but also tips that constitute a substantial part of their earnings.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 $49,270 for massage therapistsin the Gardner 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 Gardner 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