Massage Therapist Salary in Moorhead, MN: $58,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Moorhead, MN earns a median $58,709/year (≈ $28.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $59,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For massage therapists in Moorhead, Minnesota, the projected 2026 median annual salary is $58,709, which reflects a trend slightly below the national median of $61,975. Salaries in the area can range from $36,650 at the low end to as high as $90,999 for those at the top of their field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost of living factors. In Moorhead, many therapists find employment through franchised chains such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, which typically offer steady scheduling but often result in lower pay compared to self-employed practices, where therapists can command higher session fees based on their client base.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,650 | $17.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,239 | $21.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,709 | $28.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,148 | $36.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,999 | $43.75 |
Median Salary Position
5.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,349 (2026 est.). At $58,709, the local median is 5.27% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $58,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $61,028 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -5.27% less |
Massage Therapists in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $58,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $61,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $58,709 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,603 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,564
2025 BLS Actual
$55,370
2026 Current Est.
$58,709
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,564 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,321 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,249 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $40,564 (2019) to $55,370 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,249 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,685 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $36,650 – $45,239 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,239 – $58,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,709 – $75,148 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,148 – $90,999 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Moorhead
The local job market consists of only 11 employed massage therapists, highlighting a potentially competitive environment for positions. The cost-of-living index in Moorhead stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which affects the purchasing power of therapists in the area. Spas, particularly higher-end establishments, tend to offer better pay than franchise chains, while self-employed practitioners can earn significantly more if they manage to build a loyal clientele. Factors affecting salary variation include the difference between employed therapist pay versus self-employed income, the inclusion of tip income that can reach 15-25% of session fees, and the specialization of services offered. Therapists looking to maximize their income in Moorhead should consider building their brand through social media, gaining specialty certifications, and possibly collaborating with local businesses to increase client referrals.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $55,370 for massage therapistsin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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