Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $30.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Wausau, WI runs $30.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the massage therapy profession offers an appealing median hourly pay of $30.03, slightly above the national average of $29.80. This rate creates an attractive option for part-time providers, such as those working just three days a week, often in environments like spas, chiropractic clinics, or even mobile setups. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $17.41 per hour, while more experienced practitioners may see their rates soar to $46.54. These figures, estimated based on annual salary data, reflect a vibrant field that provides varied avenues for income, allowing massage therapists to tailor their schedules to fit personal circumstances, whether operating out of a home-based practice or working with local sports teams.
About the Wausau Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.41 | $139.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.54 | $188.31 |
| Median (P50) | $30.03 | $240.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.44 | $307.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.54 | $372.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $30.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.03/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $62,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,033. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,201.11 | $5,205 | $62,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.66 | $3,123 | $37,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.44 | $2,082 | $24,983 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Wausau) | $30.03 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $62,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.77% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,252.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.03/hr = $37,475/year (purchasing power: $40,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,458/year (purchasing power: $66,871).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Wausau grew 34.7% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $28.32/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.84/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Part-time therapists working 24 hours per week in Wausau can expect to bring home about $37,117 annually, which is a solid income option compared to many other part-time roles. For those considering per-diem positions, the pay scale can differ greatly; fill-in therapists often bill $25-$40 per session at chain spas, while independent practitioners can charge significantly more, with rates reaching between $80-$150 for a 60-minute session. Variations in hourly earnings also depend on the type of employer, with hotel and cruise ship spas potentially providing higher wages compared to franchise operations. While working at franchises such as Massage Envy offers steady clients, many self-employed therapists weigh the financial freedom against the benefits provided by larger employers. It's vital for massage therapists in Wausau to assess these trade-offs, leverage their negotiation skills effectively, and choose an employment path that aligns with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Wausau. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wausau 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