Massage Therapist Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $61,023 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $61,023/year (≈ $29.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $65,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated salary for massage therapists in South Milwaukee, WI, is projected to be $61,023 per year, which is slightly below the national median of $61,975. The pay range for this occupation in the area varies significantly, from $36,113 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $94,586 at the top (90th percentile). These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost adjustments that reflect the economic conditions in South Milwaukee. Given the presence of several spa employers, tip income can also enhance earnings substantially, as clients often provide gratuities ranging from 15-25% of the session fee. The potential to earn more is a notable aspect of the job market that could attract both experienced professionals and newcomers.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,113 | $17.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,440 | $21.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,023 | $29.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,696 | $37.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,586 | $45.48 |
Median Salary Position
1.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,473 (2026 est.). At $61,023, the local median is 1.54% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Massage Therapist Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $61,023/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $64,235 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -1.54% less |
Massage Therapists in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $61,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $64,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee 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.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $61,023 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,163
2025 BLS Actual
$57,553
2026 Current Est.
$61,023
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,163 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,461 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,553 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,023 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $42,163 (2019) to $57,553 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,540 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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) | $36,113 – $45,440 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,440 – $61,023 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,023 – $77,696 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,696 – $94,586 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in South Milwaukee
Job opportunities for massage therapists in South Milwaukee are relatively modest, with approximately six practitioners currently employed in the area. The cost of living, pegged at a CoL index of 93.4, indicates that despite the lower average salaries, the purchasing power may remain competitive compared to national averages. Employers such as day spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile in-home practices tend to offer varied pay scales, with established practitioners often able to command higher rates. Self-employed therapists can potentially earn between $80-$150 per hour but face the realities of self-marketing and overhead costs. In contrast, franchise chains like Massage Envy generally present more predictable booking opportunities but with lower per-service compensation. To maximize earnings, therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas such as sports or prenatal therapy, where premium rates are more common, as well as exploring opportunities in self-employment for greater control over income.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $57,553 for massage therapistsin the South 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
Salary data for South Milwaukee 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