Green Bay vs La Crosse: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Green Bay, WI and La Crosse, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | La Crosse, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,226 | $64,731▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.40 | $31.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,238▲ | $20,517 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,576 | $36,167▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,181 | $91,249▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,147▲ | $91,249 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Green Bay and La Crosse are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Green Bay and La Crosse is $1,505 (2.38%). La Crosse's median is +4.45% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $103,909,La Crosse spans $70,732. Green Bay has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, La Crosse ($70,537 effective) pays 3.85% more than Green Bay ($67,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,147)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,731/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,537)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Green Bay grew 55.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.9% growth in La Crosse over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$38,390 (2019) → $59,630 (2025)
La Crosse, WI
$67,780 (2023) → $61,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
La Crosse, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Green Bay or La Crosse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Green Bay and La Crosse?
Should I relocate from Green Bay to La Crosse as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Green Bay vs La Crosse?
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