Hot Springs vs North Little Rock: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Hot Springs, AR and North Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | North Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $28,671 | $44,951▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $13.78 | $21.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,105 | $26,587▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,716 | $33,777▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,879 | $57,538▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,455▲ | $69,674 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Hot Springs and North Little Rock are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and North Little Rock is $16,280 (56.78%). North Little Rock's median is -27.47% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $70,350,North Little Rock spans $43,087. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Little Rock ($51,727 effective) pays 54.67% more than Hot Springs ($33,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,455)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose North Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,951/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,727)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Hot Springs grew 22.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.9% growth in North Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$22,170 (2019) → $27,040 (2025)
North Little Rock, AR
$30,514 (2024) → $42,395 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
North Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Hot Springs or North Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and North Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to North Little Rock as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Hot Springs vs North Little Rock?
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