Massage Therapist in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.
Jobs (WI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a massage therapist in Wisconsin
To become a licensed Massage Therapist in Wisconsin, applicants must complete a minimum of 600 hours of education from a DSPS-approved program and pass a national examination such as the MBLEx. Additionally, candidates must pass the Wisconsin State Law Examination, be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, hold current CPR/AED certification, and carry professional liability insurance. Wisconsin offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees whose qualifications are substantially equivalent to its own.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Wisconsin requirements
| Licensing body | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 600-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Wisconsin offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements, including national certification or exam.Reciprocal states: Wisconsin offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a current, similar license in another U.S. state or territory or another country, provided the requirements are substantially equivalent to Wisconsin's. This includes certification by the NCBTMB or another NCCA-accredited organization, or passing an approved examination (like MBLEx or BCETMB) along with at least 500 classroom hours of instruction. |
| Notes | Must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a state jurisprudence exam (Wisconsin State Law Examination) with a score of at least 85%, hold current CPR/AED certification, and have massage malpractice insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $1,000,000 for all occurrences in one year. A background check is also required. |
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Wisconsin? See whether Wisconsin recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Massage Therapist head-to-head
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