Milwaukee vs Sheboygan: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Sheboygan, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Sheboygan, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,748 | $88,217▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72 | $42.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,195 | $35,011▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,658 | $56,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,311 | $110,653▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,498 | $126,971▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Sheboygan, WI offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Sheboygan is $28,469 (47.65%). Sheboygan's median is +42.34% 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,Sheboygan spans $91,960. Sheboygan 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, Sheboygan ($93,834 effective) pays 52.24% 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 Sheboygan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,217/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,971)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,834)
- ✓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 179.6% growth in Sheboygan over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$39,930 (2019) → $56,350 (2025)
Sheboygan, WI
$29,760 (2020) → $83,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Milwaukee or Sheboygan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Sheboygan?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Sheboygan as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Milwaukee vs Sheboygan?
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