Massage Therapist in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Dakota employs 180 massage therapists, with a statewide median of $52,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Massage therapists Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $52,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $53,920
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $56,310
- Employed in South Dakota
- 180
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $54,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for massage therapists in major South Dakota markets:
- Sioux City
- $61,890 (30 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $53,920 (70 employed)
- Rapid City
- $52,970 (50 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Dakota
Prices in South Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $52,000 median stretches to roughly $58,691 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow massage therapists employment +18.6%, faster than the +15.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) — regulated by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (Dept. of Health).
- Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and complete at least 500 hours of approved massage education.
- Pass an approved national certification exam (e.g., MBLEx) and carry at least $250,000 malpractice insurance.
- Apply to the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy.
Official requirements: South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (Dept. of Health) →
Training in South Dakota
500 hours plus malpractice insurance. Medical/clinical and resort/spa roles differ a lot in pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- National American University-Rapid City — Certificate
- Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City — Certificate
- Stewart School — Certificate
- The Salon Professional Academy — 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 South Dakota?
The median wage for massage therapists in South Dakota is $52,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $56,310. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Massage Therapist in South Dakota?
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), overseen by the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (Dept. of Health). Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and complete at least 500 hours of approved massage education.
Is being a Massage Therapist a good career in South Dakota?
Therapeutic touch, client relationships, and physical presence make massage therapy impossible to automate or offshore.
Which South Dakota metros pay massage therapists the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux City leads at $61,890, followed by Sioux Falls ($53,920), Rapid City ($52,970). 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 South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include National American University-Rapid City, Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City, Stewart School. Most massage therapists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Massage Therapist a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects massage therapists employment to change +18.6% 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), South Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9011. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy (Dept. of Health) (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 South Dakota wages · South 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.