Albany vs Athens: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Albany, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,165 | $77,752▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.48 | $37.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,156 | $45,466▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,019 | $57,362▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,171 | $82,576▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,606▲ | $82,576 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Athens is $20,587 (36.01%). Athens's median is +25.46% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $55,450,Athens spans $37,110. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($83,297 effective) pays 35.66% more than Albany ($61,402 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,606)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,752/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,297)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Albany grew 39.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 152.8% growth in Athens over the same period.
Albany, GA
$38,740 (2024) → $53,914 (2025)
Athens, GA
$29,010 (2021) → $73,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Albany or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Athens?
Should I relocate from Albany to Athens as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Albany vs Athens?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov