Little Rock vs Van Buren: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,625 | $49,991▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.94 | $24.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,232 | $31,864▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,694▲ | $38,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,635 | $63,988▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,123▲ | $77,486 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock and Van Buren are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $4,366 (9.57%). Van Buren's median is -19.34% 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,Van Buren spans $45,622. Little Rock 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, Van Buren ($57,527 effective) pays 12.68% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,123)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,991/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,527)
- ✓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 Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$51,170 (2019) → $43,030 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$29,039 (2024) → $47,148 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Little Rock vs Van Buren?
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