Massage Therapist Hourly Pay in West Fargo, ND: $26.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a massage therapist working in West Fargo, ND runs $26.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Weighted against West Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the massage therapist hourly pay in West Fargo, ND, is projected to be $26.94, which is notably lower than the national median of $29.80. This discrepancy can significantly impact the earning potential for massage therapists, particularly those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For example, a therapist working three days a week could reasonably expect an hourly income that equates to a modest annual income, which may limit their overall earning capacity. Entry-level massage therapists might earn as little as $15.63, while more experienced practitioners could command rates of up to $41.75. The hourly wages in West Fargo are estimated from annual salary data, providing a clear insight into the potential for fluctuating earnings depending on session bookings and practice settings, including spas, chiropractic clinics, and mobile services.
About the West Fargo 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) | $15.63 | $125.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.83 | $158.62 |
| Median (P50) | $26.94 | $215.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.48 | $275.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.75 | $334.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Fargo
Based on $26.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.94/hr, a massage therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $56,040 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,331. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.69 | $4,670 | $56,040 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.61 | $2,802 | $33,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.08 | $1,868 | $22,416 |
Compare LMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist (West Fargo) | $26.94 |
| 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 West Fargo, ND earn a median of $56,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.59% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $57,003.
Massage Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.94/hr = $33,624/year (purchasing power: $36,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,040/year (purchasing power: $60,913).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Massage Therapists in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for massage therapists in West Fargo grew 36.5% from $18.62/hr (2019) to $25.41/hr (2025). At a 6.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.57/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 West Fargo 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 West Fargo
The earning potential for part-time massage therapists in West Fargo can vary widely. A massage therapist working 24 hours a week (three days) at the current hourly rate could take home around $33,400 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time therapist earning regularly. Meanwhile, per diem massage therapists often bill different rates depending on their employment setting. For instance, those working in franchise chains might earn between $25 to $40 per session, whereas independent practitioners can charge between $80 to $150 for a 60-minute session, reflecting the pay gap in the industry. Moreover, working conditions and rates differ among employer types; therapists in high-demand environments like hotels or sports medicine clinics may find themselves with better compensation than their peers in franchise spas such as Massage Envy or Hand & Stone. The trade-off comes down to stability versus earning power, with benefits often accompanying lower hourly rates. Therefore, negotiation becomes critical; therapists should evaluate offers carefully, considering both hourly pay and overall employment benefits, to secure the best possible working arrangement.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for massage therapists in West Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time massage therapists make in West Fargo?
Are massage therapists in West Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time massage therapist make per year in West Fargo?
Do massage therapists earn more per hour working part-time in West Fargo?
Related Pages
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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 West Fargo. 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 West Fargo 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