Houston vs San Marcos: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,717 | $65,601▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.15 | $31.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,079 | $38,049▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,778▲ | $48,355 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,964 | $83,969▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,736▲ | $101,682 |
| Total Employed | 1,930▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Houston and San Marcos are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $2,884 (4.60%). San Marcos's median is +5.85% 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,San Marcos spans $63,633. 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, San Marcos ($68,334 effective) pays 7.46% 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 San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,601/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,334)
- ✓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 44.6% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$37,150 (2019) → $59,150 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$42,793 (2024) → $61,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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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