Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $22.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Eau Claire, WI runs $22.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,669 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, massage therapists earn a median hourly pay of $22.17, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $29.80. This wage reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index, which sits at 92.796, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living compared to the national baseline. For those working part-time in this field, such as therapists employed at spas or clinics three days a week, this hourly rate translates into manageable earnings while providing flexibility to balance other responsibilities. The pay range varies widely, from $9.77 for entry-level positions up to $51.13 for top performers, allowing for considerable potential growth depending on experience, clientele, and employment setting, including popular venues like chiropractic clinics or sports therapy facilities.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.77 | $78.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.83 | $142.67 |
| Median (P50) | $22.17 | $177.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.36 | $258.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.13 | $409.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $22.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.17/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $46,115 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,605. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $886.83 | $3,843 | $46,115 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.10 | $2,306 | $27,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.73 | $1,537 | $18,446 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Eau Claire) | $22.17 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $46,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.61% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 28.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,209.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.17/hr = $27,669/year (purchasing power: $29,817).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,115/year (purchasing power: $49,695).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Eau Claire grew 36.5% from $15.32/hr (2019) to $20.91/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire 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.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Eau Claire
Evaluating the part-time earnings potential for a massage therapist working 24 hours a week reveals that they can expect to take home approximately $27,674 per year, a figure that falls short of full-time earnings but still provides a viable income. In Eau Claire, per-diem opportunities are also common, as therapists can charge $25-$40 for sessions in chain establishments or up to $100 for independent mid-tier practices. Self-employed therapists may maximize their income by charging between $80 and $150 per session, especially in mobile or in-home setups, where they can command premium rates. Each type of employer presents a trade-off; while some may offer lower hourly rates, they often come with benefits such as health insurance, prompting therapists to weigh their options carefully. For those entering negotiations, understanding these dynamics and being equipped with reliable data about local pay rates can enhance their positioning in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Eau Claire, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Eau Claire. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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