Indianapolis vs New Albany: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and New Albany, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | New Albany, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,278▲ | $54,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.98▲ | $26.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,998▲ | $32,647 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,170▲ | $41,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,607▲ | $70,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,034▲ | $84,898 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Albany.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and New Albany is $5,505 (10.05%). Indianapolis's median is -2.74% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $50,036,New Albany spans $52,251. New Albany has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($62,989 effective) pays 5.00% more than New Albany ($59,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,278/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,034)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,989)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Indianapolis grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in New Albany over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$39,930 (2019) → $56,850 (2025)
New Albany, IN
$38,778 (2024) → $51,658 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
New Albany, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Indianapolis or New Albany?
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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