Huntsville vs Madison: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Huntsville, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,389▲ | $51,156 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.18▲ | $24.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,853 | $30,434▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,389▲ | $38,416 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,988▲ | $65,480 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,411▲ | $79,292 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Madison is $1,233 (2.41%). Huntsville's median is -15.47% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $78,558,Madison spans $48,858. Huntsville 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, Madison ($58,198 effective) pays 3.39% more than Huntsville ($56,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,389/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,411)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,198)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Huntsville grew 67.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$29,550 (2021) → $49,410 (2025)
Madison, AL
$32,567 (2024) → $48,247 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Huntsville or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Madison?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Madison as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Huntsville vs Madison?
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