CertOutlook

Massage Therapist in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$40,780
trending_down -29.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering
140

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Surging
+15.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$365

Licensing fees

schedule
up to 6 months

Time to complete

route How to become a massage therapist in South Dakota

To become a licensed Massage Therapist in South Dakota, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of massage education from a board-recognized school and pass a national examination such as the MBLEx. The South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy requires a completed application, a $100 application fee, and a criminal background check. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, provide proof of professional liability insurance, and hold current CPR certification. South Dakota does not offer direct reciprocity; however, individuals licensed in other states with comparable requirements can apply for licensure by endorsement.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,310
25th percentile $37,540
50th (median) $40,780
75th percentile $51,980
90th (experienced) $57,650

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

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing bodySouth Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
State license Required
Education500-hour training program
ExamMassage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265)
Application fee$100
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education8.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age 18. Requires a criminal background check. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Requires proof of malpractice or professional liability insurance of at least $250,000. Requires current CPR certification.

Source: South 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_circleSouth 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

How do you get certified as a massage therapist in South Dakota? expand_more
To become a massage therapist in South Dakota, you need to complete the required education (500-hour training program), pass the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), and submit your application ($100 fee).
Does South Dakota require massage therapist licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in South Dakota. South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy handles massage therapist licensing — the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) is part of the process.
What is the average massage therapist salary in South Dakota? expand_more
massage therapists in South Dakota earn a median of $40,780 annually. That's 30% below the national median of $57,950. The range spans from $35,310 at the entry level to $57,650 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get massage therapist certified in South Dakota? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($265) and application fee ($100). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does massage therapist certification take in South Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend up to 6 months from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a massage therapist license in South Dakota? expand_more
Yes — massage therapists in South Dakota must complete 8.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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