Massage Therapist Salary in Topeka, KS: $51,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Topeka, KS earns a median $51,043/year (≈ $24.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Topeka's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $57,468 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% below the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the anticipated median annual salary for a massage therapist in 2026 is projected at $51,043, significantly lower than the national median of $61,975. This represents a compensation landscape where therapists can earn between $31,756 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $70,181 at the higher end (90th percentile). Derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures highlight the market realities for massage therapists in the region. With the option for self-employment, many therapists are drawn to the potential for increased earnings, particularly through cash-pay methods; however, they must also consider the accompanying demands of overhead costs and self-marketing strategies. The job market in Topeka reflects a growing need for qualified therapists, opening up potential opportunities for both employment and independent practice.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,756 | $15.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,354 | $24.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,043 | $24.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,181 | $33.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,181 | $33.74 |
Median Salary Position
17.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
In Topeka, KS, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,425 (2026 est.). At $51,043, the local median is 17.64% below the national median of $61,975.
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At 40 hours/week in Topeka: You'd be above the median
How Topeka Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Topeka median: $51,043/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Topeka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $56,339 | -9.40% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -17.64% less |
Massage Therapists in Topeka, KS earn a median of $51,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.64% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 9.40% below the Kansas state average of $56,339.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Topeka has a cost of living 11.18% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Topeka, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $51,043 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,468 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.59% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,380
2025 BLS Actual
$48,140
2026 Current Est.
$51,043
2019–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Topeka metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 22.2% from $39,380 (2019) to $48,140 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,741 (37.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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) | $31,756 – $50,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,354 – $51,043 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,043 – $70,181 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,181 – $70,181 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Topeka
In the local job market, 60 professionals currently work as massage therapists in Topeka, which suggests a competitive environment for new entrants. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82, the area offers a favorable context for massage therapist pay in Topeka, KS, enhancing overall purchasing power even if salaries are relatively modest. Employers such as day spas, chiropractic facilities, and franchises like Massage Envy tend to pay less compared to those running mobile or self-employed services, where therapists can capitalize on gratuities that often range from 15-25% of session fees. The variation in earnings arises from factors such as specialty services—which can command a premium—and the difference in pay structures between franchise operations and independent practices. For those navigating this landscape, focusing on building a diverse client base and offering specialized services can be effective strategies to maximize pay in this specific market.
More salary data for Topeka, 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 $48,140 for massage therapistsin the Topeka 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, 6-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