Jackson vs Laurel: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Jackson, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,809 | $49,121▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.99 | $23.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,786▲ | $31,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,826▲ | $37,987 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,969 | $62,875▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,046▲ | $76,137 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson and Laurel are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $1,312 (2.74%). Laurel's median is -20.74% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $72,260,Laurel spans $45,129. Jackson 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, Laurel ($57,317 effective) pays 6.76% more than Jackson ($53,689 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,046)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,121/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,317)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Jackson grew 52.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$29,550 (2021) → $45,090 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$28,533 (2024) → $46,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Jackson or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Laurel as a massage therapist?
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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