Massage Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN: $50,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Memphis, TN earns a median $50,173/year (≈ $24.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $54,430 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Memphis, TN, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $50,173, which significantly lags behind the national median of $61,975. The salary range for this profession in the city varies widely, from $29,360 at the 10th percentile to a top-end potential of $96,402 at the 90th percentile. These insights are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, revealing that while Memphis offers opportunities for massage therapists, the earning potential is constrained by local market conditions and competition. Additionally, therapists working in spas often benefit from tip income, which can add a significant boost to their overall compensation, highlighting the potential for increased earnings based on service quality and customer satisfaction.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,360 | $14.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,076 | $19.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,173 | $24.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,586 | $30.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,402 | $46.35 |
Median Salary Position
19.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,042 (2026 est.). At $50,173, the local median is 19.04% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Memphis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Memphis Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Memphis median: $50,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $50,937 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -19.04% less |
Massage Therapists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $50,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.04% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.50% below the Tennessee state average of $50,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $50,173 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,430 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,666
2025 BLS Actual
$47,320
2026 Current Est.
$50,173
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,199 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $34,666 (2019) to $47,320 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,199 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,533 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,360 – $41,076 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,076 – $50,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,173 – $63,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,586 – $96,402 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Memphis
With around 160 massage therapists currently employed in Memphis, the local job market shows a modest level of competitiveness. The cost-of-living index in the city stands at 92.179, indicating a favorable environment for take-home pay, especially for those who effectively manage expenses. In terms of employer types, spas such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically provide lower hourly rates compared to independent practitioners. Meanwhile, specialized services, like those offered in chiropractic clinics or sports medicine practices, command higher wages. Factors such as self-employment, which often results in higher earnings per session, competition for clientele, and varying service rates based on specialty all contribute to the pay disparity within the profession. For those seeking to maximize their income, focusing on niche markets, expanding skill sets, and building a strong client base through effective marketing strategies can make a significant difference in achieving higher massage therapist pay in Memphis, TN.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,320 for massage therapistsin the Memphis metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov