Massage Therapist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $61,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $61,432/year (≈ $29.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $65,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $61,432, which is slightly below the national median of $61,975. Salary ranges significantly vary, with entry-level positions earning around $37,791 and more experienced therapists reaching up to $95,219. These estimates are based on data from the 2025 BLS statistics, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Franchises such as Massage Envy and Hand & Stone typically offer lower pay compared to the self-employed route. Independent practices can provide higher earnings, particularly when therapists leverage their specialty skills or establish a loyal clientele. Understanding this spectrum is essential for those exploring the massage therapist salary in Manitowoc, especially in a market with limited competition, as there are only nine massage therapists currently employed in the area.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,791 | $18.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,924 | $22.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,432 | $29.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,633 | $37.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,219 | $45.78 |
Median Salary Position
0.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,428 (2026 est.). At $61,432, the local median is 0.88% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manitowoc Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $61,432/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $64,259 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -0.88% less |
Massage Therapists in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $61,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,259.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $61,432 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,773 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,445
2025 BLS Actual
$57,938
2026 Current Est.
$61,432
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,826 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,136 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,445 (2019) to $57,938 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,136 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,691 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,791 – $46,924 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,924 – $61,432 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,432 – $78,633 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,633 – $95,219 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Manitowoc
The local job market reveals unique dynamics for massage therapist pay in Manitowoc WI. With a cost of living index at 93.4, therapists may find that their take-home income stretches further than in many other regions, despite slightly lower salaries. Franchise chains offer stable income, but self-employed therapists can significantly enhance their earnings by directly marketing services and working with clients on a cash-pay basis, where fees can range dramatically based on extras such as tips or specialized services. Higher-end spas may provide more competitive rates compared to mid-tier franchises, driving the pay gap. To maximize their earnings, therapists should evaluate their approach carefully, considering the balance between steady income from employment versus the potentially higher, but less consistent, income of independent practice. Being proactive in enhancing skills, obtaining niche certifications, or offering in-home services could further position therapists advantageously within Manitowoc’s unique salary landscape.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Manitowoc, WI in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Manitowoc?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Manitowoc?
How much does a massage therapist make per hour in Manitowoc?
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,938 for massage therapistsin the Manitowoc metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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