Lexington vs Murray: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Lexington, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,848▲ | $51,763 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.87▲ | $24.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,171▲ | $33,656 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,332▲ | $40,743 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,835▲ | $66,256 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,799▲ | $80,232 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Lexington and Murray is $29,085 (56.19%). Lexington's median is +30.45% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $60,628,Murray spans $46,576. Lexington 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, Lexington ($87,037 effective) pays 50.15% more than Murray ($57,965 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,848/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,799)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,037)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Lexington grew 57.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.2% growth in Murray over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$48,300 (2019) → $76,250 (2025)
Murray, KY
$35,079 (2024) → $48,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Lexington or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Murray?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Murray 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