Milwaukee vs Oak Creek: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Oak Creek, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Oak Creek, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,748 | $61,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72 | $29.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,195 | $38,070▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,658 | $47,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,311▲ | $78,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,498▲ | $95,411 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee and Oak Creek are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Oak Creek is $1,808 (3.03%). Oak Creek's median is -0.68% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $91,303,Oak Creek spans $57,341. Milwaukee 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, Oak Creek ($65,906 effective) pays 6.93% more than Milwaukee ($61,636 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,498)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Creek if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,556/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,906)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Milwaukee grew 41.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Oak Creek over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$39,930 (2019) → $56,350 (2025)
Oak Creek, WI
$41,173 (2024) → $58,055 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Oak Creek, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Milwaukee or Oak Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Oak Creek?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Oak Creek as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Milwaukee vs Oak Creek?
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