Personal Care & Fitness Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Massage Therapist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median massage therapist salary in Memphis, TN is $42,880 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$42,880
vs State Avg
$-1,495
vs National
$-6,980
Cost of Living
86%

Massage Therapist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median massage therapist salary of $42,880, which is $1,495 below the Tennessee state average of $44,375. Compared to the national median of $49,860, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,880 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for massage therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for massage therapists in Memphis spans from $24,080 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $51,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior massage therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Massage Therapist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level massage therapist earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,860
$-7,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $24,080
25th Percentile $30,960
Median (50th) $42,880
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $75,680

Massage Therapist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$49,860
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$45,871
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$43,877
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$43,877
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Massage Therapist in Memphis

Education

Most massage therapist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Massage TechniquesAnatomyClient AssessmentCommunicationPhysical StaminaHygiene

Job Outlook

Nationally, massage therapist employment is projected to grow 18% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Massage Therapist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open massage therapist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Therapist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median massage therapist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $42,880 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,860. Salaries range from $24,080 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Massage Therapist make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,880, a massage therapist in Memphis earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for massage therapist pay? ▼
Memphis's median massage therapist salary of $42,880 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $44,375. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a massage therapist salary of $42,880 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a massage therapist in Memphis? ▼
Most massage therapist positions in Memphis require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Massage Techniques, Anatomy, Client Assessment, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 18% nationally over the next decade.