Milwaukee vs Racine: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,748 | $68,644▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72 | $33.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,195 | $34,852▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,658 | $50,099▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,311 | $91,006▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,498 | $126,133▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Racine, WI offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Racine is $8,896 (14.89%). Racine's median is +10.76% 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,Racine spans $91,281. 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, Racine ($71,533 effective) pays 16.06% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Racine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,644/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,133)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,533)
- ✓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 37.0% growth in Racine over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$39,930 (2019) → $56,350 (2025)
Racine, WI
$47,260 (2019) → $64,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Milwaukee or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Racine?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Racine as a massage therapist?
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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