Horn Lake vs Jackson: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Horn Lake, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Horn Lake, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,032▲ | $47,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.01▲ | $22.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,178 | $41,786▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,105 | $42,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,601▲ | $53,969 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,650 | $114,046▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Horn Lake and Jackson are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Horn Lake and Jackson is $4,223 (8.83%). Horn Lake's median is -16.04% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Horn Lake spans $50,472,Jackson spans $72,260. Jackson 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, Horn Lake ($60,714 effective) pays 13.08% more than Jackson ($53,689 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Horn Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,032/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,714)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,046)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Horn Lake grew 62.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.6% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Horn Lake, MS
$30,225 (2024) → $49,073 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$29,550 (2021) → $45,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Horn Lake, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Horn Lake or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Horn Lake and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Horn Lake to Jackson as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Horn Lake vs Jackson?
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