Massage Therapist in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD
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.
Massage Therapist Requirements in South Dakota
| Detail | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 500-hour training program |
| Exam | Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) ($265) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 8.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum 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. |
Massage Therapist Salary in South Dakota
The median massage therapist salary in South Dakota is $40,780 per year, which is 29.6% below the national median of $57,950.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,310 |
| 25th | $37,540 |
| 50th (median) | $40,780 |
| 75th | $51,980 |
| 90th (experienced) | $57,650 |
South Dakota employs approximately 140 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 South Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.