Massage Therapist in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
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.
Massage Therapist Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Massage Therapist Salary in Wisconsin
The median massage therapist salary in Wisconsin is $57,530 per year, which is 0.7% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $23,980 |
| 25th | $35,220 |
| 50th (median) | $57,530 |
| 75th | $77,940 |
| 90th (experienced) | $92,220 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 1,610 massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Massage Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Massage Therapist in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.