Massage Therapist Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Massage Therapists in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$50,070
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.07
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $58,450
State Rank
#40 of 50
1,230 employed here

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Tennessee?

A Massage Therapist working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $50,070 per year, or about $24.07 per hour. That is 14% below the national median of $58,450 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $36,960 while the top 10% make $95,260 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,920 and $64,050 a year.

Massage Therapist salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,960$17.77
25th percentile (early career)$46,920$22.56
50th percentile (median)$50,070$24.07
75th percentile (experienced)$64,050$30.79
90th percentile (top earners)$95,260$45.80

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 40th out of 50 states and territories for Massage Therapist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Alaska$134,930
2Washington$87,360
3Oregon$86,970
4Hawaii$81,280
5New Hampshire$80,360

Working as a Massage Therapist in Tennessee

Nationally, about 99,000 people work as Massage Therapists in the United States. A certificate or diploma program (usually 6 to 18 months) is the typical entry path.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($50,070) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Massage Therapist make in Tennessee?
The median Massage Therapist salary in Tennessee is $50,070 per year, or about $24.07 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,960 at the entry level to $95,260 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Massage Therapists about 14% less than the national median of $58,450. Tennessee ranks 40th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Massage Therapists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $50,070 a year. About 1,230 Massage Therapists are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Massage Therapist salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.