Massage Therapist in North Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.
Jobs (ND)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | North Dakota offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with similar requirements, practice, and exam.Reciprocal states: North Dakota offers reciprocity to applicants licensed in other states or jurisdictions with substantially similar or higher requirements, provided they have actively practiced for at least two of the last three years, passed an acceptable examination, and have a license in good standing. A criminal history record check is required. |
| 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to North Dakota? See whether North Dakota recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Massage Therapist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
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
Compare Massage Therapist head-to-head
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