Personal Care & Fitness Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Massage Therapist Salary in Missouri

The median massage therapist salary in Missouri is $43,877 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,860.

Median Salary
$43,877
vs National
$-5,983
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Massage Therapist Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for massage therapist compensation. Massage Therapist salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,877 per year, massage therapists in Missouri earn $5,983 less than the national median of $49,860.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $43,877 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: massage therapists at the 10th percentile earn $24,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $77,440 — a $52,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $45,871.

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Missouri and beyond.

Massage Therapist Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $31,680
Median (50th) $43,877
75th Percentile $59,840
90th Percentile $77,440

Massage Therapist Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for massage therapists in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Missouri

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Missouri

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Missouri? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Missouri is $43,877 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $77,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,877, a massage therapist in Missouri earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for massage therapists? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for massage therapist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level massage therapists earn $26,400, while senior professionals earn $72,160.
How does Missouri compare to other states for massage therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for massage therapists is Hawaii at $84,762. Missouri's median of $43,877 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($44,375) and Tennessee ($44,375).
What is the entry-level massage therapist salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level massage therapist in Missouri earns approximately $26,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,160.
What city in Missouri pays massage therapists the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for massage therapists, with a median salary of $45,871. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.