Madison vs Oshkosh: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Madison, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Oshkosh, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,040 | $64,509▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.02 | $31.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $22,022 | $34,025▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,260 | $50,014▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,637▲ | $86,022 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,999▲ | $96,222 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Madison and Oshkosh are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and Oshkosh is $12,469 (23.96%). Oshkosh's median is +4.09% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $86,977,Oshkosh spans $62,197. Madison 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, Oshkosh ($69,418 effective) pays 29.77% 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 Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,999)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oshkosh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,509/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,418)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Madison grew 3.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.
Madison, WI
$47,510 (2019) → $49,080 (2025)
Oshkosh, WI
$43,430 (2019) → $60,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Oshkosh, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Madison or Oshkosh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oshkosh?
Should I relocate from Madison to Oshkosh as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Madison vs Oshkosh?
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