Massage Therapist in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Minnesota employs 1,690 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $63,070 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $63,070 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $28,320
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,000
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,870
- Employed in Minnesota
- 1,690
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $75,340 (1,290 employed)
- Fargo
- $74,140 (60 employed)
- Duluth
- $59,550 (90 employed)
- Rochester
- $56,220 (80 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $53,920 (70 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $51,760 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,070 median stretches to roughly $63,966 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow massage therapists employment +10.4%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 490 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
No statewide license; local city/county permit may be required — regulated by the No Minnesota state license — some cities require a local permit.
- Minnesota is one of the few states with no statewide massage license.
- Complete a quality massage therapy program (most employers and a national credential expect ~500–600 hours).
- Check your city/county — many (e.g., Minneapolis) require a local massage permit — and consider the voluntary MBLEx / BCTMB credential.
Official requirements: No Minnesota state license — some cities require a local permit →
Training in Minnesota
Because there's no state license, program quality and a national credential matter more for credibility. Confirm local permit rules where you'll practice.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis — Certificate
- Lake Superior College — Certificate
- Minnesota State College Southeast — 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 Minnesota?
The median wage for massage therapists in Minnesota is $63,070 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,320, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,870. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in Minnesota?
No statewide license; local city/county permit may be required, overseen by the No Minnesota state license — some cities require a local permit. Minnesota is one of the few states with no statewide massage license.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in Minnesota?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which Minnesota metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $75,340, followed by Fargo ($74,140), Duluth ($59,550). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, Lake Superior 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 Minnesota?
Minnesota projects massage therapists employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 490 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the No Minnesota state license — some cities require a local permit (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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.