Carrollton vs Houston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Carrollton, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,377 | $62,717▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.03 | $30.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,019 | $37,079▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,138 | $53,778▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,282 | $77,964▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,584 | $117,736▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 1,930▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and Houston is $2,340 (3.88%). Houston's median is +1.20% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $58,565,Houston spans $80,657. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($63,589 effective) pays 1.11% more than Carrollton ($62,893 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,717/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,736)
- ✓Larger job market (1,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,589)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Carrollton grew 33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 59.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$42,756 (2024) → $56,943 (2025)
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Carrollton or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and Houston?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to Houston as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Carrollton vs Houston?
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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