Massage Therapist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $55,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Dickinson, ND earns a median $55,751/year (≈ $26.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Dickinson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $60,599 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, North Dakota, the projected median salary for massage therapists in 2026 is $55,751, which reflects a more modest pay scale compared to the national median of $61,975. Local data, derived from state-level estimates and regional price parities, outlines a salary range that spans from $32,335 (P10) to $86,413 (P90). For independent therapists working in the area, the high-end cash-pay potential can be enticing, allowing skilled practitioners to attract a robust clientele. However, with self-employment comes the necessity to manage overhead costs and market oneself effectively, which can be a challenge in a smaller city like Dickinson. Understanding the dynamics of the local job market is essential for maximizing earning potential.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,335 | $15.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,687 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,751 | $26.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,360 | $34.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,413 | $41.54 |
Median Salary Position
10.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dickinson
In Dickinson, ND, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,078 (2026 est.). At $55,751, the local median is 10.04% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dickinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dickinson Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Dickinson median: $55,751/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dickinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $57,005 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -10.04% less |
Massage Therapists in Dickinson, ND earn a median of $55,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 2.20% below the North Dakota state average of $57,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dickinson 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.
Dickinson, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $55,751 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,599 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,520
2025 BLS Actual
$52,580
2026 Current Est.
$55,751
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,853 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,112 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dickinson metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $38,520 (2019) to $52,580 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,112 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,592 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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) | $32,335 – $40,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,687 – $55,751 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,751 – $71,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,360 – $86,413 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Dickinson
The job market for massage therapists in Dickinson consists of only four employed professionals, exemplifying a competitive but limited environment. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 92, which is below the national average, this reality constrains the overall purchasing power of local salary figures. Among potential employers, spas and chiropractic clinics often offer varying pay scales; however, franchise chains such as Massage Envy may not offer the competitive rates that independent therapists can earn through direct cash-pay sessions. The disparity between low and high wages in Dickinson largely hinges on job structure—self-employed therapists typically earn significantly more per session when factoring in tips, while specialty expertise in oncology or sports therapy can enhance earning capacity. For those seeking to maximize their massage therapist pay in Dickinson, ND, establishing a self-employed practice, building a strong referral network, and catering to niche markets are practical strategies to consider.
More salary data for Dickinson, 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 $52,580 for massage therapistsin the Dickinson 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 Dickinson 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