Massage Therapist Salary in Salina, KS: $54,511 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Salina, KS earns a median $54,511/year (≈ $26.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Salina's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $59,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median annual salary for a massage therapist in Salina, Kansas, is projected to be $54,511. Salary figures indicate a range where lower earners might see about $34,576, while those at the higher end can earn up to $84,492. This data is rooted in estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations unique to Salina’s economy. Given the local employment of just 11 massage therapists, there's a clear differentiation in pay, particularly when comparing those employed at franchises like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone against independent practitioners. The latter typically charge higher rates, yielding better overall financial outcomes.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,576 | $16.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,408 | $20.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,511 | $26.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,774 | $33.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,492 | $40.62 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
In Salina, KS, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,916 (2026 est.). At $54,511, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salina: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salina Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Salina median: $54,511/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $56,313 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -12.04% less |
Massage Therapists in Salina, KS earn a median of $54,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $56,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salina 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.
Salina, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $54,511 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,663
2025 BLS Actual
$51,411
2026 Current Est.
$54,511
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,942 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,511 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,798 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salina metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $37,663 (2019) to $51,411 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,798 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,135 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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) | $34,576 – $42,408 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,408 – $54,511 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,511 – $69,774 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,774 – $84,492 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Salina
The job market for massage therapists in Salina presents a unique mix of opportunities and constraints. With employment concentrated among a small cohort of professionals, competition is moderate. The local cost of living index stands at 90.9, which suggests that take-home pay retains more purchasing power compared to cities with higher costs. In terms of earning potential, therapists in higher-paying settings such as chiropractic clinics or specialty practices can see an increase in compensation. Differences in pay stem from multiple factors, including the tipping culture in spas and performance-based incentives at franchises. To optimize their income, therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas, enhancing their marketing strategies, or joining reputable industry associations like ABMP or AMTA to access best practices and resources.
More salary data for Salina, 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 $51,411 for massage therapistsin the Salina 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 Salina 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