Grand Forks vs Williston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Grand Forks, ND and Williston, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Forks, ND | Williston, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,338▲ | $54,406 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.57▲ | $26.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,256 | $33,268▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,747▲ | $41,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,393▲ | $69,639 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,873▲ | $84,330 |
| Total Employed | 14▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Forks, ND offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Williston.
The salary gap between Grand Forks and Williston is $2,932 (5.39%). Grand Forks's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Forks spans $55,617,Williston spans $51,062. Grand Forks has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Forks ($62,324 effective) pays 5.39% more than Williston ($59,137 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Forks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,338/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,873)
- ✓Larger job market (14 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,324)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Williston if…
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Grand Forks grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Williston over the same period.
Grand Forks, ND
$46,260 (2024) → $54,077 (2025)
Williston, ND
$43,894 (2024) → $51,312 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Forks, ND
Williston, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Grand Forks or Williston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Forks and Williston?
Should I relocate from Grand Forks to Williston as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Grand Forks vs Williston?
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