Massage Therapist Pay

Dothan vs Huntsville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Dothan, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dothan, AL
$51,373
$24.69/hr
Huntsville, AL
$52,389
$25.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDothan, ALHuntsville, AL
Median Salary$51,373$52,389
Hourly Rate$24.69$25.18
Entry Level (P10)$29,797$24,853
25th Percentile$37,710$52,389
75th Percentile$65,757$89,988
Top Earner (P90)$79,627$103,411
Total Employed1870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dothan ($51,373) and Huntsville ($52,389) massage therapist salaries.DothanHuntsvilleMedian Salary$51,373$52,389Entry Level (P10)$29,797$24,853Top Earner (P90)$79,627$103,411US Median $61,975

Verdict

Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dothan.

The salary gap between Dothan and Huntsville is $1,016 (1.98%). Huntsville's median is -15.47% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dothan spans $49,830,Huntsville spans $78,558. Huntsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.

Dothan
P10 (Entry)$29,797
P25$37,710
Median$51,373
P75$65,757
P90 (Top)$79,627
Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$24,853
P25$52,389
Median$52,389
P75$89,988
P90 (Top)$103,411

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dothan ($58,445 effective) pays 3.83% more than Huntsville ($56,289 effective).

Dothan
Nominal: $51,373
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $58,445
Huntsville
Nominal: $52,389
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $56,289

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dothan if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,445)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,389/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,411)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Dothan grew 48.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.2% growth in Huntsville over the same period.

Dothan, AL

+48.2%

$32,704 (2024) → $48,451 (2025)

Huntsville, AL

+67.2%

$29,550 (2021) → $49,410 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Dothan or Huntsville?

Huntsville has a higher median massage therapist salary at $52,389/year, compared to Dothan at $51,373/year — a difference of $1,016 (1.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dothan and Huntsville?

Dothan massage therapists earn $24.69/hr while Huntsville hygienists earn $25.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dothan to Huntsville as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dothan and Huntsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dothan = $58,445, Huntsville = $56,289), job availability (18 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Dothan vs Huntsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $29,797 in Dothan and $24,853 in Huntsville. The Dothan 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