Bismarck vs Minot: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bismarck, ND and Minot, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bismarck, ND | Minot, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,200▲ | $55,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.02▲ | $26.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,348▲ | $32,477 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,932▲ | $41,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,936▲ | $71,673 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,110▲ | $86,792 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 12▲ |
Verdict
Bismarck, ND offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Bismarck and Minot is $206 (0.37%). Bismarck's median is -9.32% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bismarck spans $52,762,Minot spans $54,315. Minot has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bismarck ($61,087 effective) pays 0.37% more than Minot ($60,863 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bismarck if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,110)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,087)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bismarck grew 67.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Minot over the same period.
Bismarck, ND
$31,730 (2023) → $53,004 (2025)
Minot, ND
$45,175 (2024) → $52,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bismarck, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bismarck or Minot?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bismarck and Minot?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov