Massage Therapist Salary in Missoula, MT: $58,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Missoula, MT earns a median $58,304/year (≈ $28.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $60,607 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for massage therapists in Missoula, Montana is projected at $58,304, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $61,975. Salaries for these professionals in the area range broadly from $34,962 at the lower end (P10) to $90,370 for those at the top tier (P90). While many therapists find steady work with franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone, which tend to offer lower pay rates, self-employed therapists can significantly boost their earnings. The local compensation figures are shaped by various factors, including regional cost-of-living adjustments, which are essential for understanding the market dynamics in Missoula, where the cost of living index stands at 96.2, slightly below the national average.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,962 | $16.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,304 | $28.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,629 | $35.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,370 | $43.45 |
Median Salary Position
5.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,408 (2026 est.). At $58,304, the local median is 5.92% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Missoula median: $58,304/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $59,615 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -5.92% less |
Massage Therapists in Missoula, MT earn a median of $58,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $59,615.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $58,304 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,607 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,650
2025 BLS Actual
$54,988
2026 Current Est.
$58,304
2019–2027 Growth
+11.1%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew -1.2% from $55,650 (2019) to $54,988 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,169 (11.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $34,962 – $43,990 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,990 – $58,304 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,304 – $74,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,629 – $90,370 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Missoula
Analyzing the job market, there are currently 16 massage therapists employed in Missoula, indicating a niche yet dedicated professional community. With the cost of living in the area slightly below national averages, this can have an impact on purchasing power, making it vital for therapists to strategize their earnings. The highest pay is typically found in specialized environments, such as sports medicine practices or high-end spas, where therapists can command premiums based on expertise or services offered. Additional factors influencing the range of compensation include self-employed therapists' ability to set their rates and capitalize on tips, which can often comprise 15-25% of service fees. To maximize their earnings in Missoula, therapists might consider enhancing their skill set in advanced treatments, building a loyal client base for repeat business, or diversifying services to include mobile therapy options.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 $54,988 for massage therapistsin the Missoula 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 Missoula 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