Massage Therapist Pay

Memphis vs Morristown: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Memphis, TN and Morristown, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$50,173
$24.12/hr
Morristown, TN
$50,428
$24.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNMorristown, TN
Median Salary$50,173$50,428
Hourly Rate$24.12$24.25
Entry Level (P10)$29,360$29,711
25th Percentile$41,076$37,599
75th Percentile$63,586$64,548
Top Earner (P90)$96,402$78,163
Total Employed1606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($50,173) and Morristown ($50,428) massage therapist salaries.MemphisMorristownMedian Salary$50,173$50,428Entry Level (P10)$29,360$29,711Top Earner (P90)$96,402$78,163US Median $61,975

Verdict

Memphis and Morristown are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Memphis and Morristown is $255 (0.51%). Morristown's median is -18.63% compared to the US national median of $61,975.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $67,042,Morristown spans $48,452. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$29,360
P25$41,076
Median$50,173
P75$63,586
P90 (Top)$96,402
Morristown
P10 (Entry)$29,711
P25$37,599
Median$50,428
P75$64,548
P90 (Top)$78,163

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morristown ($54,932 effective) pays 0.92% more than Memphis ($54,430 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $50,173
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $54,430
Morristown
Nominal: $50,428
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $54,932

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($96,402)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Morristown if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,428/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,932)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Memphis grew 14.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Morristown over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+14.9%

$41,200 (2020) → $47,320 (2025)

Morristown, TN

+24.6%

$38,179 (2024) → $47,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Memphis or Morristown?

Morristown has a higher median massage therapist salary at $50,428/year, compared to Memphis at $50,173/year — a difference of $255 (0.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Morristown?

Memphis massage therapists earn $24.12/hr while Morristown hygienists earn $24.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Morristown as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Morristown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $54,430, Morristown = $54,932), job availability (160 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Memphis vs Morristown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $29,360 in Memphis and $29,711 in Morristown. The Morristown area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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