Entry-Level Massage Therapist Salary in De Pere, WI: $36,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:New massage therapists entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,578 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,163 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the massage therapy field in De Pere, WI can expect a starting salary around $36,578, a figure that reflects the initial earning potential for entry-level positions. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $63,067, indicating that there may be a substantial gap to bridge in the early years of one’s career. However, new professionals can look forward to gradual progression in their earnings, with realistic growth typically moving from entry-level wages to approximately $46,347 within the first several years of employment. For recent graduates, the De Pere job market appears relatively stable and supportive, making it a sound choice for launching a career in massage therapy as they build experience and clientele.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Entry-level massage therapists in De Pere, WI typically start between $36,578 and $46,347 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,175 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,067 — 1.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average massage therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $9,500 represents just 25.97% of the starting massage therapist pay ($36,578/year) in De Pere. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on COMTA-accredited and state-approved massage therapy program data. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private massage school) and required hours (varies by state licensing).
LMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level massage therapist pay ranges from $36,578 to $46,347, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the massage therapy field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Massage Therapist Compensation Range
The massage therapist wage spread in De Pere is $61,175 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,578, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,753.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,366
2025 BLS Actual
$34,498
2026 Current Est.
$36,578
2019–2027 Growth
+73.4%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,498 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,784 | Projected |
Entry-level massage therapist compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 54.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,366 in 2019 to $34,498 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,784. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your massage therapy Career in De Pere
Many of the primary employers seeking new massage therapists in De Pere include franchise chains like Massage Envy, Hand & Stone, and Elements, which often offer quick onboarding processes for newly licensed therapists. These establishments typically provide a reliable flow of clients, albeit at lower hourly rates and limited tips compared to self-employment. In contrast, chiropractic and physical therapy clinics may offer steadier hourly wages along with benefits. To maximize starting pay, new graduates should obtain credentials through a 500-1,000 hour massage therapy program from a state-approved school, pass the MBLEx national exam, and acquire state licensing. Additionally, involvement with professional associations such as AMTA or ABMP can provide networking advantages and resources. While self-employment may yield higher hourly earnings—potentially ranging from $80 to $150 per session—this route comes with the need for significant self-marketing and management of operational costs. Therefore, setting realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years is essential for success in this field.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new massage therapy graduates. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov