Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Madison, WI: $25.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Madison, WI runs $25.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,229 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Madison, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for massage therapists is $25.02 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $29.80. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a stable income primarily in settings such as spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile services. Given the hourly rate range extends from $10.59 for entry-level positions to $52.40 for the highest earners, the varying opportunities within the local job market can favor both part-time and per-diem roles. This official BLS data indicates that massage therapists in Madison could find themselves in diverse work environments, each affecting their paying potential.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.59 | $84.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.35 | $154.80 |
| Median (P50) | $25.02 | $200.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.66 | $333.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.40 | $419.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $25.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.02/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, WI can expect to earn approximately $52,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,028. With a cost-of-living index of 97.29 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.92 | $4,337 | $52,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.55 | $2,602 | $31,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.37 | $1,735 | $20,819 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Madison) | $25.02 |
| 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 Madison, WI earn a median of $52,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.03% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 19.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,246.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.02/hr = $31,229/year (purchasing power: $32,100).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,048/year (purchasing power: $53,499).
CoL index: 97.287 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Madison grew 3.3% from $22.84/hr (2019) to $23.60/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.53/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 Madison 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 Madison
Examining the earning potential for part-time therapists reveals that working 24 hours a week can yield an income of around $31,200 annually, thus illustrating the financial difference compared to full-time peers. Per-diem massage therapists in Madison often charge varying rates depending on their setting, with some billing $25-$40 per session at chain spas and considerably more at independent locations—ranging from $60-$100, and self-employed therapists potentially earning $80-$150 per hour. Factors such as employer type significantly impact pay; while franchise chains may offer steady bookings, self-employed practitioners command higher session rates but must cover all expenses associated with their business. It's common for therapists to weigh benefits like health insurance against accepting lower hourly pay. For those negotiating their rates, particularly in competitive environments like Madison, stressing unique qualifications or experience can lead to more favorable financial outcomes.
More salary data for Madison, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in Madison?
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Related Pages
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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 Madison. 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, 7-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