Massage Therapist Salary in Muskegon, MI: $71,330 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Muskegon, MI earns a median $71,330/year (≈ $34.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $76,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for massage therapists in Muskegon, Michigan, is projected to be $71,330, which exceeds the national median of $61,975 by over 15%. The salary range for this profession in Muskegon varies significantly, from $41,371 at the 10th percentile to $110,561 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates, reflect the regional price adjustments and local market dynamics. The pay scale in Muskegon showcases a distinct gradient between franchise operations like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone and independent practices. While franchise therapists often benefit from consistent client bookings, they typically earn less than self-employed practitioners, who may command higher fees but face greater financial and operational uncertainties.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,371 | $19.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,772 | $24.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,330 | $34.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,301 | $43.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,561 | $53.15 |
Median Salary Position
15.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,190 (2026 est.). At $71,330, the local median is 15.09% above the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $71,330/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $73,159 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | +15.09% more |
Massage Therapists in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $71,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $73,159.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $71,330 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,534 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,284
2025 BLS Actual
$67,273
2026 Current Est.
$71,330
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,204 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,273 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,330 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,631 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $49,284 (2019) to $67,273 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,631 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,347 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $41,371 – $51,772 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,772 – $71,330 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,330 – $91,301 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,301 – $110,561 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Muskegon
Turning to the local job market, only seven massage therapists are currently employed in Muskegon, indicating a niche professional environment. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 93.2, suggesting a comparatively lower economic pressure, which can enhance take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, high-end spas and specialized clinics tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for therapists skilled in areas like oncology or sports massage. Factors that influence the pay disparities include the employment structure—self-employed massage therapists often keep a larger share of their earnings, and tips can significantly supplement income, averaging 15-25% for sessions at spas. For those in Muskegon aiming to maximize their earning potential, networking through industry associations such as ABMP or AMTA and developing a robust client base through effective marketing strategies can be pivotal in elevating their practice to a higher income bracket.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 $67,273 for massage therapistsin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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