Massage Therapist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $56,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Bismarck, ND earns a median $56,200/year (≈ $27.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $61,087 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $56,200 for massage therapists in Bismarck, North Dakota in 2026, compensation reflects a competitive market structure that revolves around both franchise employment and independent practice. The salary range spans from $34,348 at the lower end to $87,110 at the top. Many therapists find themselves working in franchise chains like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone, where earnings are typically lower compared to self-employed practitioners who can set their rates, leading to greater potential for higher income. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adapted to local market conditions. Understanding this salary gradient is essential for anyone considering a massage therapy career in Bismarck, as it significantly influences job choices and financial outcomes in the region.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,348 | $16.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,932 | $20.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,200 | $27.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,936 | $34.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,110 | $41.88 |
Median Salary Position
9.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,762 (2026 est.). At $56,200, the local median is 9.32% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bismarck: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bismarck Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $56,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $56,998 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -9.32% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $56,200 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,087 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,830
2025 BLS Actual
$53,004
2026 Current Est.
$56,200
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,004 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,589 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $38,830 (2019) to $53,004 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,589 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,759 (53.46%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,348 – $42,932 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,932 – $56,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,200 – $71,936 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,936 – $87,110 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Bismarck
The local job market for massage therapists in Bismarck is relatively modest, with only 11 professionals currently practicing in the area. This limited number points to a unique dynamic influenced by the cost of living, which sits at a CoL index of 92, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power for residents is feasible. Spas, particularly those offering luxury services, often provide the highest wages, though franchise settings remain commonplace. The disparity in earnings between employed therapists and those who are self-employed can be substantial due to the latter's ability to charge higher fees and the potential for tips ranging from 15-25% at spa services. Those aiming to maximize their massage therapist pay in Bismarck should consider specializing in areas such as oncology or prenatal massage, build a robust client base for private practice, or capitalize on networks provided by organizations like ABMP and AMTA, which can enhance visibility and earnings potential.
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,004 for massage therapistsin the Bismarck metropolitan area. A 6.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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