Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $27.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in Bismarck, ND runs $27.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,200 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,717 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, ND, the massage therapist hourly pay averages $27.02, which falls below the national median of $29.80. This difference reflects the local market dynamics and cost of living index, with Bismarck's index at 92, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to many parts of the country. For those working part-time, especially in settings such as spa treatment rooms, chiropractic clinics, or as per-diem practitioners in the sports and hotel industries, this rate can translate to a decent living, depending on individual work schedules. The hourly range in Bismarck runs from $16.51 for entry-level positions up to $41.88 for experienced therapists, offering opportunities for varied earnings based on skill level, clientele, and choice of employer.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Massage Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.51 | $132.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.64 | $165.15 |
| Median (P50) | $27.02 | $216.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.59 | $276.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.88 | $335.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck
Based on $27.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.02/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $56,194 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,420. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,080.66 | $4,683 | $56,194 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.39 | $2,810 | $33,717 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.26 | $1,873 | $22,478 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (Bismarck) | $27.02 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $32.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Exercise Trainer/Fitness Instructor (National Avg) | $23.95 |
Massage Therapists in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $56,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $56,998.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.02/hr = $33,717/year (purchasing power: $36,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,194/year (purchasing power: $61,081).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in Bismarck grew 36.5% from $18.67/hr (2019) to $25.48/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem massage therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.03% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Massage Therapist in Bismarck
Working part-time at three days per week, a massage therapist could earn approximately $34,968 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem massage therapist pay in Bismarck varies widely; chain establishments may compensate $25-$40 per session, while independent practices can command $60-$100 for the same time frame. Self-employed therapists enjoying direct client relationships can secure $80-$150 per hour, with mobile services reaching as high as $200 per session. Hourly rates greatly differ based on the type of employer, with franchises typically offering lower pay but the benefit of consistent clientele, whereas self-employed therapists bear the burden of marketing and operational costs. Negotiating for better terms is essential; understanding market rates and the nuances of employer benefits can empower therapists to maximize their earning potential in Bismarck's diverse job environment.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for massage therapists in Bismarck. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bismarck is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for massage therapists (SOC 31-9011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov