Dallas vs Houston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,568 | $62,717▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.08 | $30.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,217▲ | $37,079 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,863▲ | $53,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,583▲ | $77,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,956 | $117,736▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,930▲ | 1,930 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $149 (0.24%). 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 Dallas spans $71,739,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 4.77% more than Dallas ($60,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,717/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,736)
- ✓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 Dallas grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 59.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$44,940 (2019) → $59,010 (2025)
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Dallas or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Houston?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Houston as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Dallas vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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