Massage Therapist in North Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND
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.
Massage Therapist Requirements in North Dakota
| Detail | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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. |
Massage Therapist Salary in North Dakota
The median massage therapist salary in North Dakota is $70,720 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,140 |
| 25th | $37,630 |
| 50th (median) | $70,720 |
| 75th | $88,400 |
| 90th (experienced) | $89,390 |
North Dakota employs approximately 150 massage therapists.
Massage Therapist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Massage Therapists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Massage Therapist in North Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.