Brookfield vs Madison: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Brookfield, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookfield, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,150▲ | $52,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.36▲ | $25.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,627▲ | $22,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,956▲ | $40,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,833 | $86,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,883 | $108,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Brookfield and Madison are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Brookfield and Madison is $11,110 (21.35%). Brookfield's median is +1.90% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $61,256,Madison spans $86,977. Madison 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, Brookfield ($67,612 effective) pays 26.40% more than Madison ($53,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,150/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,612)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,999)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Brookfield grew 41.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Madison over the same period.
Brookfield, WI
$42,240 (2024) → $59,559 (2025)
Madison, WI
$47,510 (2019) → $49,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookfield, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Brookfield or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Madison?
Should I relocate from Brookfield to Madison as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Brookfield vs Madison?
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