Pembroke Pines vs Tampa: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Pembroke Pines, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pembroke Pines, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,171 | $54,574▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.04 | $26.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,419 | $33,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,003 | $48,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,338▲ | $62,282 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,965▲ | $74,984 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 1,530▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pembroke Pines.
The salary gap between Pembroke Pines and Tampa is $403 (0.74%). Tampa's median is -11.94% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pembroke Pines spans $52,546,Tampa spans $41,426. Pembroke Pines 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, Tampa ($54,093 effective) pays 0.65% more than Pembroke Pines ($53,741 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pembroke Pines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,965)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,574/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,093)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Pembroke Pines grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Pembroke Pines, FL
$45,310 (2024) → $51,090 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$34,490 (2019) → $51,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pembroke Pines, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Pembroke Pines or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pembroke Pines and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Pembroke Pines to Tampa as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Pembroke Pines vs Tampa?
Related Comparisons
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