Fond du Lac vs Madison: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Fond du Lac, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fond du Lac, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,242▲ | $52,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.44▲ | $25.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,108▲ | $22,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,551▲ | $40,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,390 | $86,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,924 | $108,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Fond du Lac and Madison are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fond du Lac and Madison is $9,202 (17.68%). Fond du Lac's median is -1.18% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fond du Lac spans $57,816,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, Fond du Lac ($65,570 effective) pays 22.58% 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 Fond du Lac if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,242/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,570)
- ✓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 Fond du Lac grew 41.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Madison over the same period.
Fond du Lac, WI
$40,963 (2024) → $57,759 (2025)
Madison, WI
$47,510 (2019) → $49,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fond du Lac, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Fond du Lac or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fond du Lac and Madison?
Should I relocate from Fond du Lac to Madison as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Fond du Lac 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