Massage Therapist in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Wisconsin employs 1,520 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $58,070 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $58,070 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $20,280
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $105,360
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 1,520
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $75,340 (1,290 employed)
- Appleton
- $64,360 (60 employed)
- Green Bay
- $59,630 (90 employed)
- Duluth
- $59,550 (90 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $56,350 (440 employed)
- Madison
- $49,080 (260 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,070 median stretches to roughly $61,711 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow massage therapists employment +10.5%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 360 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the Wisconsin Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board (DSPS).
- Complete an approved program of at least 600 hours of classroom instruction.
- Pass the MBLEx.
- Apply to the Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board through DSPS.
Official requirements: Wisconsin Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board (DSPS) →
Training in Wisconsin
600 hours is a moderate path. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- East-West Healing Arts Institute — Certificate
- First Class Cosmetology School — Certificate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Herzing University-Madison — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are physically strong, enjoy helping others, and want a licensed practice they can build independently.
Think twice if: Physical strain on hands and wrists, scheduling unpredictability as a self-employed practitioner, or close physical contact sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
First Steps
Check your state's hour requirement and find a state-licensed massage therapy school — programs range from 500 to 1,000 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do massage therapists make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for massage therapists in Wisconsin is $58,070 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $20,280, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $105,360. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Wisconsin?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the Wisconsin Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board (DSPS). Complete an approved program of at least 600 hours of classroom instruction.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Wisconsin?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Wisconsin metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $75,340, followed by Appleton ($64,360), Green Bay ($59,630). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Massage Therapist in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include East-West Healing Arts Institute, First Class Cosmetology School, Fox Valley Technical College. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects massage therapists employment to change +10.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 360 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Massage Therapy & Bodywork Therapy Credentialing Board (DSPS) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.