Houston vs Missouri City: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Houston, TX and Missouri City, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Missouri City, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,717▲ | $59,729 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15▲ | $28.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,079▲ | $34,643 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,778▲ | $43,179 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,964▲ | $76,453 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,736▲ | $92,580 |
| Total Employed | 1,930▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missouri City.
The salary gap between Houston and Missouri City is $2,988 (5.00%). 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,Missouri City spans $57,937. 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 2.20% more than Missouri City ($62,218 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 Missouri City 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 33.2% growth in Missouri City over the same period.
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
Missouri City, TX
$42,298 (2024) → $56,332 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Missouri City, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Houston or Missouri City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Missouri City?
Should I relocate from Houston to Missouri City as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Houston vs Missouri City?
Related Comparisons
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