Southaven vs Starkville: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Southaven, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Southaven, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,247▲ | $51,649 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.12▲ | $24.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,819▲ | $29,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,787 | $40,493▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,876▲ | $66,111 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,984▲ | $80,057 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Southaven and Starkville is $598 (1.16%). Southaven's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Southaven spans $49,165,Starkville spans $50,100. Starkville 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, Southaven ($60,965 effective) pays 1.16% more than Starkville ($60,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,984)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,965)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Southaven grew 62.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Southaven, MS
$30,349 (2024) → $49,276 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$30,002 (2024) → $48,712 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Southaven, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Southaven or Starkville?
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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