Cookeville vs Memphis: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Cookeville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,389 | $50,173▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.26 | $24.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,257 | $29,360▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,584 | $41,076▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,937 | $63,586▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,002 | $96,402▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Memphis is $1,784 (3.69%). 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 Cookeville spans $45,745,Memphis spans $67,042. Memphis 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, Memphis ($54,430 effective) pays 3.26% more than Cookeville ($52,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville 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 Cookeville grew 24.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$36,635 (2024) → $45,637 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$41,200 (2020) → $47,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Cookeville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Memphis as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Cookeville vs Memphis?
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