Massage Therapist Salary in Fargo, ND: $78,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Fargo, ND earns a median $78,611/year (≈ $37.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Fargo's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $86,508 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 37.9% above the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For massage therapists in Fargo, ND, the projected median salary in 2026 is an impressive $78,611, significantly higher than the national median of $61,975. This salary range illustrates a diverse earning potential, with figures ranging from $47,618 at the lower end to $97,813 at the upper percentiles. These insights come from the comprehensive 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which reflects the local industry's potential for strong compensation, particularly considering that tip income can substantially enhance earnings in spa environments. As the demand for massage therapy continues to rise in Fargo, those entering the field can expect a favorable job market, offering competitive pay that outpaces many other regions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,618 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,579 | $30.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,611 | $37.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,509 | $46.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,813 | $47.02 |
Median Salary Position
26.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fargo
In Fargo, ND, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,195 (2026 est.). At $78,611, the local median is 26.84% above the national median of $61,975.
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At 40 hours/week in Fargo: You'd be above the median
How Fargo Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Fargo median: $78,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $57,006 | +37.90% more |
| National Average | $61,975 | +26.84% more |
Massage Therapists in Fargo, ND earn a median of $78,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.84% higher than the national median of $61,975 and 37.90% above the North Dakota state average of $57,006.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fargo has a cost of living 9.13% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 90.871 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $78,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,508 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,260
2025 BLS Actual
$74,140
2026 Current Est.
$78,611
2019–2027 Growth
+84.2%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fargo metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 63.8% from $45,260 (2019) to $74,140 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,091 (84.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,618 – $62,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,579 – $78,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,611 – $96,509 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,509 – $97,813 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Fargo
Analyzing the local job market, there are approximately 60 massage therapists employed in Fargo, ND, each navigating a cost of living index of 90.871, which indicates that residents can stretch their earnings further. Notably, therapists working in high-end spas or self-employed positions tend to secure the highest pay, often due to additional revenue from tips and the autonomy of direct client relationships. Specializations in oncology or sports massage also command premium rates, enhancing overall compensation. The disparity between salaries can often be traced back to the structural differences in employment—self-employed therapists can charge much higher hourly rates but bear all business costs. For those looking to maximize their massage therapist pay in Fargo, ND, pursuing self-employment, focusing on niche markets, and selecting lucrative employers such as upscale spas or integrative health clinics are practical strategies worth considering.
More salary data for Fargo, 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 $74,140 for massage therapistsin the Fargo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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