Knoxville vs Smyrna: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,961 | $51,475▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.03 | $24.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $16,636 | $29,856▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,134▲ | $37,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,704▲ | $65,888 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,358▲ | $79,787 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Knoxville and Smyrna are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $1,514 (3.03%). Smyrna's median is -16.94% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $86,722,Smyrna spans $49,931. Knoxville 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, Smyrna ($56,073 effective) pays 3.89% more than Knoxville ($53,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,358)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,475/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,073)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Knoxville grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$40,970 (2019) → $47,120 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$38,972 (2024) → $48,548 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
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