Massage Therapist Pay

Austin vs Kyle: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Austin, TX and Kyle, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$64,106
$30.82/hr
Kyle, TX
$58,788
$28.27/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXKyle, TX
Median Salary$64,106$58,788
Hourly Rate$30.82$28.27
Entry Level (P10)$37,757$35,983
25th Percentile$55,379$44,903
75th Percentile$82,173$75,249
Top Earner (P90)$116,092$91,122
Total Employed1,36013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($64,106) and Kyle ($58,788) massage therapist salaries.AustinKyleMedian Salary$64,106$58,788Entry Level (P10)$37,757$35,983Top Earner (P90)$116,092$91,122US Median $61,975

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kyle.

The salary gap between Austin and Kyle is $5,318 (9.05%). Austin's median is +3.44% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $78,335,Kyle spans $55,139. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$37,757
P25$55,379
Median$64,106
P75$82,173
P90 (Top)$116,092
Kyle
P10 (Entry)$35,983
P25$44,903
Median$58,788
P75$75,249
P90 (Top)$91,122

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($65,370 effective) pays 6.75% more than Kyle ($61,238 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $64,106
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $65,370
Kyle
Nominal: $58,788
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $61,238

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,106/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($116,092)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,370)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Kyle if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Austin grew 37.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Kyle over the same period.

Austin, TX

+37.7%

$43,900 (2020) → $60,460 (2025)

Kyle, TX

+33.2%

$41,632 (2024) → $55,445 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Austin or Kyle?

Austin has a higher median massage therapist salary at $64,106/year, compared to Kyle at $58,788/year — a difference of $5,318 (9.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Kyle?

Austin massage therapists earn $30.82/hr while Kyle hygienists earn $28.27/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Kyle as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Kyle. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $65,370, Kyle = $61,238), job availability (1,360 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Austin vs Kyle?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $37,757 in Austin and $35,983 in Kyle. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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