Houston vs Killeen: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Killeen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Killeen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,717▲ | $57,383 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15▲ | $27.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,079▲ | $36,167 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,778▲ | $50,491 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,964▲ | $67,774 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,736▲ | $103,570 |
| Total Employed | 1,930▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Killeen.
The salary gap between Houston and Killeen is $5,334 (9.30%). 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 Houston spans $80,657,Killeen spans $67,403. 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, Houston ($63,589 effective) pays 0.99% more than Killeen ($62,967 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,717/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,736)
- ✓Larger job market (1,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,589)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Killeen if…
- ✓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 62.4% growth in Killeen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
Killeen, TX
$33,320 (2019) → $54,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Killeen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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