Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Whitewater, WI: $29.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Whitewater, WI runs $29.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Whitewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whitewater, Wisconsin, the massage therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $29.30, slightly below the national median of $29.80. This rate offers various opportunities for both part-time workers and per-diem therapists. For those who work just three days a week, the potential earnings can be substantial, particularly in settings like day spas, physical therapy clinics, and even mobile practices. The hourly range for massage therapists in this region extends from a low of $17.27 for entry-level positions to as high as $45.41 for experienced professionals. It's important to recognize that these figures are projections for 2026, based on estimates derived from 2025 data. This range highlights the diversity of employment settings within Whitewater, which can impact earning potential considerably.
About the Whitewater 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) | $17.27 | $138.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.77 | $174.14 |
| Median (P50) | $29.30 | $234.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.30 | $298.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.41 | $363.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whitewater
Based on $29.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.30/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whitewater, WI can expect to earn approximately $60,936 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,155. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Whitewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whitewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.84 | $5,078 | $60,936 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.11 | $3,047 | $36,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.74 | $2,031 | $24,374 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Whitewater) | $29.30 |
| 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 Whitewater, WI earn a median of $60,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.66% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,221.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.30/hr = $36,562/year (purchasing power: $39,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,936/year (purchasing power: $65,242).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Whitewater grew 36.5% from $20.24/hr (2019) to $27.63/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.06/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 Whitewater 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 Whitewater
For part-timers, earning around $29.30 an hour equates to roughly $45,000 annually when working 24 hours per week. However, many therapists choose to pursue per-diem opportunities, billing $25 to $40 per session in chain environments, while independent practitioners may charge between $80 and $150 per hour for cash-pay clients. Employment types in Whitewater can lead to varying hourly rates; for instance, positions in high-demand medical facilities or luxury hotel spas tend to offer more competitive compensation compared to franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. Freelancers might enjoy better compensation but face the burden of covering their own costs. When negotiating pay, therapists should consider not only hourly rates but also the benefits offered by employers, as some may prioritize stability and health insurance over a higher wage. Understanding these dynamics in the local market can be advantageous for those entering the field or seeking to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Whitewater, 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 Whitewater. 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 Whitewater 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