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Massage Therapist Licensing in South Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Massage Therapist in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    A person who engages in the systematic mobilization of the soft tissues of the body through the application of hands or devices for the purposes of therapy, relaxation, or education.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $40,780 median (30% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Massage Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (A person who engages in the systematic mobilization of the soft tissues of the body through the application of hands or devices for the p...).
  5. 5. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $40,780, Massage Therapists in South Dakota earn 30% below the national median of $57,950. South Dakota ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$40,780

Hourly estimate

$19.61
30% below national median

Difference: -$17,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,310
  • P2525th percentile$37,540
  • P50Median$40,780
  • P7575th percentile$51,980
  • P9090th percentile$57,650

State vs National Median

State: $40,780
National: $57,950

Total employment: 140 | Annual openings: N/A

Massage Therapist Salary Ranking

#48 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
South Dakota$40,780Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$70,720Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$75,500Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$62,400Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$55,080Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years
Wyoming$32,430Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy

1601 N Harrison Ave Ste. 6, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6052958590

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$38,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Cosmetologist$49,050Varies by state boardVaries by board
Esthetician$31,930Varies by state boardVaries by board
Nail Technician$40,210Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Massage Therapist in South 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 is the typical Massage Therapist salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Massage Therapists in South Dakota is $40,780. Salaries range from $35,310 (10th percentile) to $57,650 (90th percentile).

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

Massage Therapists in South Dakota earn 30% below the national median of $57,950, with a state median of $40,780.

How many Massage Therapists work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 140 Massage Therapists according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy. Review agency details at http://doh.sd.gov/Boards/massage/.

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

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