Houston vs Austin: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,717 | $64,106▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15 | $30.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,079 | $37,757▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,778 | $55,379▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,964 | $82,173▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,736▲ | $116,092 |
| Total Employed | 1,930▲ | 1,360 |
Verdict
Houston and Austin are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and Austin is $1,389 (2.21%). Austin's median is +3.44% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $80,657,Austin spans $78,335. Houston 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, Austin ($65,370 effective) pays 2.80% more than Houston ($63,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,736)
- ✓Larger job market (1,930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,106/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,370)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Houston grew 59.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.7% growth in Austin over the same period.
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
Austin, TX
$43,900 (2020) → $60,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Houston or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Austin?
Should I relocate from Houston to Austin as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Houston vs Austin?
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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