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Massage Therapist in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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North Dakota employs 100 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $74,140 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Massage therapists Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

North Dakota median pay: $74,140 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,120
Experienced (75th percentile): $91,240
Top earners (90th percentile): $110,870
Employed in North Dakota: 100
U.S. median (for comparison): $54,660 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major North Dakota markets:

Fargo: $74,140 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,140 median stretches to roughly $83,303 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow massage therapists employment +9.1%, slower than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

North Dakota License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy.

Complete a minimum of 750 hours of supervised instruction at a massage school or program.
Pass the MBLEx.
Apply to the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy.

Official requirements: North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy →

Training in North Dakota

750 hours is on the higher end. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo — Certificate
Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks — Certificate
The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo — Certificate
Williston State College — 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 North Dakota?

The median wage for massage therapists in North Dakota is $74,140 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,120, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $110,870. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in North Dakota?

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy. Complete a minimum of 750 hours of supervised instruction at a massage school or program.

Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in North Dakota?

Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.

Which North Dakota metros pay massage therapists the most?

Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $74,140. 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 North Dakota?

Real North Dakota options include Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo, Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks, The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Massage Therapist a growing career in North Dakota?

North Dakota projects massage therapists employment to change +9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.