Massage Therapist in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$57,530

trending_down -0.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

1,610

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$340

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $23,980

25th percentile $35,220

50th (median) $57,530

75th percentile $77,940

90th (experienced) $92,220

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
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

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+15.4%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

24,700

Nationwide per year

Total employment

168,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.41/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

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

psychology

Wondering if a massage therapist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a massage therapist in Wisconsin? expand_more

To become a massage therapist in Wisconsin, you need to complete the required education (600-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($75 fee).

Does Wisconsin require massage therapist licensure? expand_more

Yes, Wisconsin requires a state license to practice as a massage therapist. The licensing body is Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx).

What do massage therapists earn in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, the median pay for massage therapists comes to $57,530/year. This is close to the national median of $57,950. New massage therapists start around $23,980; seasoned professionals can reach $92,220.

What are the fees to become a massage therapist in Wisconsin? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($265) and application fee ($75) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, becoming a massage therapist generally takes 6-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do massage therapists need in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your massage therapist license.