By: Natural Healers Staff
Updated: January 26, 2026
Massage Therapy Degree and Career Guide
- Becoming a Massage Therapist
- Massage Therapy Schooling
- Online Programs
- Massage School Accreditation
- School Tuition
- State Boards of Massage
- Types of Massage
- Massage Therapist Duties
- Massage Therapist Salary
Massage Therapist Salary State Guides
Massage Therapist Salary in Texas
The single most reason to consider becoming a massage therapist in Texas is the high demand combined with a large and growing population, particularly in urban areas such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, which translates into strong job opportunities and steady client bases.
Why Texas stands out over other states:
- Texas has one of the largest populations in the U.S., with a strong wellness culture and diverse clientele ranging from athletes and tech professionals to retirees.
- Fewer state regulations compared to more restrictive states such as New York or California, making it easier to enter and stay in the profession.
- No state income tax, allowing massage therapists to keep more of what they earn—this directly boosts take-home pay compared to many other states.
- Outside of a few metro areas such as Austin and Houston, Texas has a relatively low cost of living, letting therapists keep more of their income while still accessing a large market.
In this Article
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There are 7,780 people employed as massage therapists in Texas said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it the second highest state for the employment of massage therapists (following California) in the U.S. The median wage per hour is $27 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 15.4%.
Texas offers massage therapists a powerful combination of high demand, financial benefit and professional freedom—a rare trifecta not often found in other states. Here are five prominent employers of massage therapists in Texas, each offering unique opportunities and benefits:
- Massage Heights, multiple locations.
- Massage Heights is a national franchise with multiple locations across Texas, including San Antonio, Flower Mound and Shavano Park. They offer competitive compensation packages, sign-on bonuses, flexible scheduling and opportunities for professional growth.
- Hiatus Spa + Med Spa, Austin, Plano, Frisco and San Antonio.
- Hiatus Spa + Med Spa is renowned for its commitment to holistic wellness. Massage therapists at Hiatus can expect hourly rates between $27 and $65, along with benefits such as paid training, continuing education credits and a supportive work environment.
- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, multiple locations.
- Hand & Stone operates numerous locations throughout Texas. They offer massage therapists competitive hourly wages ranging from $45 to $60, flexible work schedules, and benefits such as wellness programs and opportunities for advancement.
- Elements Massage, Dallas, McKinney, College Station, multiple locations.
- Elements Massage is known for providing a therapist-focused environment. Elements emphasizes therapist well-being, offering flexible scheduling and a supportive workplace culture.
- Viva Day Spa + Med Spa, Austin.
- Viva Day Spa + Med Spa is an Austin-based, locally owned establishment where massage therapists work within a supportive management team that is committed to employee development.
Texas is a top choice for massage therapists due to its booming population and high demand for wellness services across major metropolitan areas.
Salary statistics for Texas
Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience and work setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, none of Texas’ biggest metro areas rank in their top 10 for highest wages, even though Austin-Round Rock and Houston-The Woodlands-Pasadena still stand out as the highest-paying metropolitan areas for massage therapists.
In Texas, the highest-paying employer settings for massage therapists are typically:
- Medical and healthcare facilities: These include chiropractic, integrative and rehab centers. These settings often offer consistent schedules, higher hourly rates and the ability to bill insurance in some cases. Massage therapists here are viewed as part of a medical team, especially in pain management or physical therapy support, leading to higher perceived value and pay.
- Private practice: While income can be inconsistent when first starting out and as a clientele is built, private practitioners set their own rates—often $75–$120+ per session—retain all revenue after expenses and can specialize in niche markets like prenatal, lymphatic or sports massage.
Median massage therapist salary in Texas
According to data from the BLS, the median annual salary for massage therapists in Texas is $56,540, and takes into consideration location, experience and specialization.
Compare Texas’ median annual massage therapist salary with the national median—which is $57,950 annually—and you can see, Texas pays slightly below the national median for the profession, but the BLS does not take into consideration circumstances such Texas’ lower cost of living. Here are salaries specific to the state:
Massage Therapists
10%$29,500
25%$45,880
50%$56,540Median
75%$61,820
90%$85,160
Median Hourly Wage$27
Job growth15.4%
Total Employment7,780
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $58,780 | $30,390 | $73,450 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $58,490 | $29,410 | $74,220 |
| Abilene, TX | $58,090 | $32,990 | $92,150 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $57,730 | $29,500 | $96,130 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $55,060 | $29,850 | $76,430 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $55,010 | $33,140 | $61,580 |
| Tyler, TX | $54,140 | $28,680 | $65,600 |
| Longview, TX | $50,330 | $27,710 | $70,600 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $49,590 | $26,230 | $61,500 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $49,530 | $24,660 | $61,210 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Take a look at how salaries compare for fields that are similar to massage therapy:
Salary ranges for Texas massage therapists
The salary range for massage therapists in Texas typically spans from $29,500 for the lowest 10% in the field to $85,160 for the highest 10% in the field per year.
Several factors can influence what kind of a massage therapist falls within these wage percentiles in Texas:
Lowest 10% of earners:
- Experience: Typically newly licensed therapists with limited hands-on experience.
- Employment settings: Often employed in high-volume, lower-paying environments such as franchise spas or wellness chains.
- Client base: Developing clientele, relying heavily on employer-provided appointments.
- Specializations: Generally offer basic massage services without specialized techniques.
- Scheduling: May have less control over work hours, often working part-time or irregular shifts.
Highest 10% of earners:
- Experience: Several years of practice with a strong reputation in the community.
- Employment settings: Operate private practices, own spas or hold managerial positions in high-end wellness centers.
- Client base: Maintain a loyal and possibly upscale clientele, often through word-of-mouth referrals.
- Specializations: Offer advanced or niche services such as sports massage, medical massage or other specialized therapies.
- Scheduling: Have greater autonomy over their schedules, allowing for optimal work-life balance and client accommodation.
Pay by metro area within Texas
Your earning level logically depends upon where you live within a state. As a rule, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, such as Austin-Round Rock or Houston-The Woodlands-Pasadena metro areas, pay may be more competitive.
Most notably, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area stands out, making it the fifth highest metro area for employment of massage therapists in the U.S., with Houston-The Woodlands-Pasadena ranking at number seven. Here are the BLS’ top 10 metro areas for massage therapists by pay in the U.S.
Salary growth and job outlook
Job growth for massage therapists in Texas is predicted to surpass the national average for the field, which is already higher than the average job growth rate for all professions combined, said the BLS.
15.4%
Job growth for massage therapists through 2034 according to the BLS
O*Net, which is a subsidiary of the BLS, said that Texas’ job growth rate for massage therapists will be 29% through 2032, considerably higher than the national average, and the state will add approximately 1,910 massage therapists to the existing field.
Factors that may affect salaries in Texas
Several factors can influence how much a massage therapist may earn in Texas:
- Specializing and experience:
- Therapists with advanced certifications or specializations, such as sports massage or neuromuscular therapy may command higher rates. Years of experience may also lead to a loyal client base and referrals, increasing income potential.
- Work setting:
- Working in medical or healthcare facilities, such as chiropractic offices or rehabilitation centers, typically offers higher pay compared to franchise spas or salons. Self-employed therapists or those in private practice can set their own rates, potentially leading to higher earnings, especially if they have a strong client base.
- Geography:
- Urban areas like Austin-Round Rock and Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land tend to offer higher wages due to greater demand and a more affluent clientele.
- Business savvy:
- Therapists who effectively market their services, manage their schedules efficiently, and build strong client relationships can see increased earnings.
- Work hours:
- Those willing to work evenings, weekends or offer mobile services may attract more clients, thereby increasing their income.
Education to become a massage therapist in Texas
To become a licensed massage therapist in Texas, you must complete the following educational and licensing steps after earning your high school diploma or GED:
Complete a state-approved massage therapy program:
- Minimum 500 clock hours, including:
- 200 hours: Massage therapy techniques
- 125 hours: Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology
- 50 hours: Health and hygiene
- 25 hours: CPR and first aid
- 50 hours: Hydrotherapy and business practices
- 50 hours: Internship or supervised clinical practice
Pass the MBLEx Exam (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam):
- The MBLEx is a national exam required for licensure in Texas.
Complete the application submission process:
- Submit application and fees to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Renew your license every two years:
- Maintain your CPR certification and complete the designated number of continuing education hours for license renewal.
Cost of living in Texas
Texas offers a cost of living that is generally below the national average, making it an attractive option for residents seeking affordability. The World Population Review Cost of Living Index stated that as of 2025, Texas ‘overall cost of living index stands at 92.7, indicating that living expenses are approximately 7.3% lower than the national average, which is benchmarked at 100. This positions Texas as the 16th most affordable state in the U.S. Notably, Texas’ housing index is 82.0, suggesting that housing costs are about 18% lower than the national average. However, while housing and groceries are more affordable, utility costs are slightly above the national average, with cities such as Laredo having higher electricity expenses.
Texas resources for massage therapists
Professional groups and associations offer advocacy, support, networking and education resources for massage therapists. Here are two key groups for massage therapists in Texas:
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): The TDLR regulates the licensing, education requirements and professional conduct of massage therapists in Texas.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP): While national, ABMP offers strong support and resources tailored for Texas-based members, including liability insurance and CEU courses.
This massage therapist salary guide for Texas strives to provide you with an understanding of the salary landscape, job growth and required education information regarding the profession. This guide may be used as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education path and for setting realistic expectations for your professional future.