Bryant vs Little Rock: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bryant, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,890▲ | $45,625 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.47▲ | $21.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,589▲ | $29,232 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,552 | $40,694▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,140▲ | $45,635 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,880▲ | $78,123 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Bryant, AR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Bryant and Little Rock is $5,265 (11.54%). Bryant's median is -17.89% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bryant spans $49,291,Little Rock spans $48,891. Bryant 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, Bryant ($58,562 effective) pays 14.70% more than Little Rock ($51,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,890/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,880)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,562)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bryant grew 62.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$29,561 (2024) → $47,996 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$51,170 (2019) → $43,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Little Rock, AR
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
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