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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 12, 2026

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: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: 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 (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

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
#1Alaska135,200
#2Vermont105,490
#3Oregon82,860
#4Washington82,820
#5Hawaii80,590

Nearby States Comparison

Massage Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Dakota$70,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$75,500Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$40,780Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Montana$52,000Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

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

ND Board of Massage

PO Box 3141, Bismarck, ND, 58502-3141

Phone: 7017128624

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$34,100Specific course required6-24 months
Cosmetologist$33,870Specific course required6-24 months
Esthetician$52,510Specific course required6-24 months
Nail Technician$30,920Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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/.