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Massage Therapist Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for massage therapist in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in North Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND Board of Massage

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $70,720 median (22% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Dakota eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to ND Board of Massage and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Dakota

With a median salary of $70,720, Massage Therapists in North Dakota earn 22% above the national median of $57,950. North Dakota ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$70,720

Hourly estimate

$34.00
22% above national median

Difference: +$12,770

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$33,140
  • P2525th percentile$37,630
  • P50Median$70,720
  • P7575th percentile$88,400
  • P9090th percentile$89,390

State vs National Median

State: $70,720
National: $57,950

Total employment: 150 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#7 of 50 statesfor Massage Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$135,200
#2Vermont$105,490
#3Oregon$82,860
#4Washington$82,820
#5Hawaii$80,590

Nearby States Comparison

Massage Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$70,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$75,500Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$40,780Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Montana$52,000Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

ND Board of Massage

PO Box 3141, Bismarck, ND, 58502-3141

Phone: 7017128624

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Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$34,100Specific course requiredVaries by board
Cosmetologist$33,870Specific course requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$52,510Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$30,920Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in North Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Massage Therapists in North Dakota?

North Dakota lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Massage Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Massage Therapist in North Dakota?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Massage Therapist licensure in North Dakota.

What is the typical Massage Therapist salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in North Dakota is $70,720. Salaries range from $33,140 (10th percentile) to $89,390 (90th percentile).

How does the Massage Therapist salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Massage Therapists in North Dakota earn 22% above the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $70,720.

How many Massage Therapists work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 150 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Massage Therapist license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Massage Therapists in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND Board of Massage. Review agency details at http://www.ndbmt.org/.

How often do you renew a Massage Therapist license in North Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.