Massage Therapist in North Dakota

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

Median annual salary

$70,720

trending_up +22.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering

150

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Surging

+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments

$415

Licensing fees

schedule

Up to 3 months for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in North Dakota

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in North Dakota, applicants must complete a minimum of 750 hours of instruction from a board-approved or accredited massage therapy program. They must pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), a jurisprudence exam, and undergo a criminal history record check. The application fee is $150, and licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 24 continuing education hours, with specific provisions for hands-on and ethics training, and reduced hours for experienced practitioners. North Dakota also offers reciprocity for licensees from other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,140

25th percentile $37,630

50th (median) $70,720

75th percentile $88,400

90th (experienced) $89,390

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing body	North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
State license	Required
Education	750-hour training program
Exam	Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Requires a criminal history record check, jurisprudence exam, and CPR certification. The first license renewal does not require continuing education hours. Subsequent renewals require 24 CE hours, with specific requirements for hands-on and ethics hours, and reduced hours for those with 15+ years of experience. A physical examination may be required if the board believes the applicant has a physical or behavioral health condition jeopardizing public health. Must be 18 years of age or older.

Source: North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy

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_circleNorth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+15.4%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a massage therapist in North Dakota? expand_more

To become a massage therapist in North Dakota, you need to complete the required education (750-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Is a massage therapist license required in North Dakota? expand_more

A state license is required in North Dakota. North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is part of the process.

What do massage therapists earn in North Dakota? expand_more

The median massage therapist salary in North Dakota is $70,720 per year. This exceeds the $57,950 national median by 22%. The range spans from $33,140 at the entry level to $89,390 for top earners.

How expensive is massage therapist licensing in North Dakota? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($265) and application fee ($150) and required training.

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

The typical timeline in North Dakota is Up to 3 months for application processing. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a massage therapist license in North Dakota? expand_more

To keep your license active, North Dakota mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.