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The State of North Dakota Massage Therapist Requirements

Throughout the 739,482 square miles of the Roughrider State, approximately 714 massage therapists work to help the more than 762,062 people in their state find relief from pain, rehabilitation from injuries, and comfort in the midst of stress and anxiety.

With 121,889 people in Fargo, 72,777 people in Bismarck, and 56,500 people in Grand Forks, massage therapists who work in North Dakota can find an engaged environment to open, continue, or join a massage therapy business.

How Do I Become A Massage Therapist in North Dakota?

If you’re ready to move into your career as a massage therapist in North Dakota, you must register with the North Dakota Board of Massage. The registration fee is $150. Once you are registered, you must receive licensure by the Board. If you do not register, you will be working illegally and can receive a fine.

In order to receive this license, you must complete a minimum of 750 hours from an approved massage therapy program and pass a national massage licensing examination.

You can find application request forms on their website.

Where Can I Study?

The North Dakota Board of Massage provides a list of approved schools where future LMTs can complete their 750 required hours.

Below are two approved schools in North Dakota to help you get started on what you may be looking for in a massage therapy education.

  • Williston State College: Hoping to provide students with the skills “required to successfully function in the delivery of healthcare as a massage therapist,” this school gives students the opportunity to learn about the human body, how it functions, the effects of injury or disease, and the benefits of massage to maximize function.
  • Josef’s School of Hair Design: North Dakota’s longest lasting massage therapy program, this school helps students learn techniques in a healthy environment with appropriate client/therapist relationships and the essentials in proper body mechanics.

How Much Will I Earn?

The average annual wage of a massage therapist in North Dakota was $49,976 in 2021. This is on the higher side of state earnings, with the average national salary at $53,222. Massage therapists who work in Fargo have the opportunity to earn a higher salary as well, with the average for this city at $49,933 annually.