Kingsport vs Nashville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Kingsport, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,625 | $55,284▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.33 | $26.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,151 | $43,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,080 | $52,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,800 | $77,476▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,469 | $101,333▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsport.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Nashville is $4,659 (9.20%). Nashville's median is -10.80% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $48,318,Nashville spans $58,295. Nashville 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, Nashville ($57,385 effective) pays 4.06% more than Kingsport ($55,147 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,284/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,333)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,385)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Kingsport grew 24.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$38,328 (2024) → $47,746 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$43,290 (2019) → $52,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Kingsport or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Kingsport to Nashville as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Kingsport vs Nashville?
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