Little Rock vs Paragould: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Paragould, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Paragould, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,625 | $52,610▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.94 | $25.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,232 | $30,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,694▲ | $40,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,635 | $67,341▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,123 | $81,546▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Paragould, AR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Paragould is $6,985 (15.31%). Paragould's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $48,891,Paragould spans $51,033. Paragould 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, Paragould ($60,541 effective) pays 18.58% more than Little Rock ($51,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Paragould if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,610/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,546)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,541)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Little Rock grew -15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Paragould over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$51,170 (2019) → $43,030 (2025)
Paragould, AR
$30,560 (2024) → $49,618 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Paragould, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Little Rock or Paragould?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Paragould?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Paragould as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Little Rock vs Paragould?
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