Massage Therapist Pay

Brentwood vs Memphis: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Brentwood, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brentwood, TN
$49,124
$23.61/hr
Memphis, TN
$50,173
$24.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrentwood, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$49,124$50,173
Hourly Rate$23.61$24.12
Entry Level (P10)$30,907$29,360
25th Percentile$36,938$41,076
75th Percentile$62,878$63,586
Top Earner (P90)$76,142$96,402
Total Employed7160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brentwood ($49,124) and Memphis ($50,173) massage therapist salaries.BrentwoodMemphisMedian Salary$49,124$50,173Entry Level (P10)$30,907$29,360Top Earner (P90)$76,142$96,402US Median $61,975

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.

The salary gap between Brentwood and Memphis is $1,049 (2.14%). Memphis's median is -19.04% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $45,235,Memphis spans $67,042. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Brentwood
P10 (Entry)$30,907
P25$36,938
Median$49,124
P75$62,878
P90 (Top)$76,142
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$29,360
P25$41,076
Median$50,173
P75$63,586
P90 (Top)$96,402

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($54,430 effective) pays 1.72% more than Brentwood ($53,512 effective).

Brentwood
Nominal: $49,124
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $53,512
Memphis
Nominal: $50,173
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $54,430

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brentwood if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,173/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($96,402)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,430)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Brentwood grew 24.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Brentwood, TN

+24.6%

$37,191 (2024) → $46,330 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+14.9%

$41,200 (2020) → $47,320 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Brentwood or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median massage therapist salary at $50,173/year, compared to Brentwood at $49,124/year — a difference of $1,049 (2.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Memphis?

Brentwood massage therapists earn $23.61/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $24.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brentwood to Memphis as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brentwood and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brentwood = $53,512, Memphis = $54,430), job availability (7 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Brentwood vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $30,907 in Brentwood and $29,360 in Memphis. The Brentwood area offers higher starting salaries.
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