Massage Therapist Salary in Scottsbluff, NE: $54,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Scottsbluff, NE earns a median $54,420/year (≈ $26.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Scottsbluff's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $59,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, can anticipate a median annual salary of $54,420, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975. Salaries in Scottsbluff span a wide range from $31,563 at the 10th percentile to $84,351 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability in compensation based on experience, specialization, and employment setting. The figures presented are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, alongside regional cost of living adjustments. Those working for well-known franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone may face lower earnings potential compared to self-employed therapists who set their own fees. This can create a diverse job market, where independent practitioners often find a more lucrative pay structure in exchange for taking on additional responsibilities.
About the Scottsbluff Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,563 | $15.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,351 | $20.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,420 | $26.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,657 | $33.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,351 | $40.56 |
Median Salary Position
12.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scottsbluff
In Scottsbluff, NE, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,788 (2026 est.). At $54,420, the local median is 12.19% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Scottsbluff: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Scottsbluff Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Scottsbluff median: $54,420/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Scottsbluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $56,687 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -12.19% less |
Massage Therapists in Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $54,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $56,687.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Scottsbluff has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Scottsbluff, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $54,420 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,475 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,600
2025 BLS Actual
$51,325
2026 Current Est.
$54,420
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,303 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,568 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,392 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,701 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Scottsbluff metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $37,600 (2019) to $51,325 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,701 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,101 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scottsbluff 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) | $31,563 – $43,351 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,351 – $54,420 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,420 – $69,657 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,657 – $84,351 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Scottsbluff
With only four massage therapists currently employed in Scottsbluff, the local job market shows potential for growth, especially given the projected annual growth rate of 6.03% over the next five years. The cost of living index for the area stands at 91.5, slightly below the national average, which could imply that the purchasing power of therapists’ salaries is relatively stronger in this market. Among different employers, those working in upscale spas or specialized clinics may command higher pay; however, competition remains due to the greater earnings potential for self-employed therapists who can benefit from tips and direct-payment structures. Strategies to maximize pay include honing in on specialties like sports or prenatal massage, leveraging client referrals, and building a robust online presence for client bookings. It’s essential for therapists to evaluate their employment options carefully, balancing stability with the potential for higher earnings in independent practice.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
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 $51,325 for massage therapistsin the Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff 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