Massage Therapist Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $59,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Milwaukee, WI earns a median $59,748/year (≈ $28.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Milwaukee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $61,636 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, massage therapists in Milwaukee, WI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,748, reflecting a slight decline of about 3.59% compared to the national median of $61,975. Salaries in this field can range significantly, from $21,195 at the lower end (P10) to $112,498 at the higher end (P90). This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlights the local job market's variability. While these figures establish a solid foundation for expected earnings, many therapists boost their income through tips, commonly ranging from 15-25% of the service fee when working in spas. Consequently, understanding the combination of base pay and tip income is essential for massage therapists navigating the job market in Milwaukee.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,195 | $10.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,658 | $17.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,748 | $28.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,311 | $39.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,498 | $54.09 |
Median Salary Position
3.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, WI, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,303 (2026 est.). At $59,748, the local median is 3.59% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukee Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Milwaukee median: $59,748/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $64,245 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -3.59% less |
Massage Therapists in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $59,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.59% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 7.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,245.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukee has a cost of living 3.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 96.937 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $59,748 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,636 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,930
2025 BLS Actual
$56,350
2026 Current Est.
$59,748
2019–2027 Growth
+58.7%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 41.1% from $39,930 (2019) to $56,350 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,421 (58.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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) | $21,195 – $35,658 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,658 – $59,748 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,748 – $82,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,311 – $112,498 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Milwaukee
The strength of the local job market is evident with approximately 440 massage therapists currently employed in the Milwaukee area. The cost of living index stands at 96.937, which means that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the local market still allows residents to maintain reasonable purchasing power. Among different employment avenues, those working in hotel and cruise ship spas or high-end wellness centers typically see the most competitive compensation. A wide gap exists between the pay of self-employed therapists and those within establishments such as franchise chains—like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone—where earnings often fall short. Factors influencing earnings include service specialties, the type of employer, and the associated commission structures. For therapists looking to enhance their pay in Milwaukee, developing niche skills and cultivating a loyal client base can significantly improve their income potential, especially in a competitive environment where client satisfaction directly impacts earnings.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Milwaukee, WI in 2026?
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Can massage therapists make $100K in Milwaukee?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted massage therapist salary in Milwaukee?
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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 $56,350 for massage therapistsin the Milwaukee 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
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