Meridian vs Mountain Home: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Meridian, ID and Mountain Home, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Meridian, ID | Mountain Home, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,282▲ | $55,689 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.50▲ | $26.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,350▲ | $32,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,710▲ | $44,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,881▲ | $71,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,888▲ | $86,318 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Meridian, ID offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mountain Home.
The salary gap between Meridian and Mountain Home is $3,593 (6.45%). Meridian's median is -4.35% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Meridian spans $56,538,Mountain Home spans $54,018. Meridian 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, Meridian ($62,206 effective) pays 6.45% more than Mountain Home ($58,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,282/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,888)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,206)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Mountain Home if…
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Meridian grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Mountain Home over the same period.
Meridian, ID
$44,002 (2024) → $55,911 (2025)
Mountain Home, ID
$41,335 (2024) → $52,522 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Meridian, ID
Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Meridian or Mountain Home?
What is the hourly rate difference between Meridian and Mountain Home?
Should I relocate from Meridian to Mountain Home as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Meridian vs Mountain Home?
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