Massage Therapist Salary in Mandan, ND: $53,289 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time massage therapist in Mandan, ND earns a median $53,289/year (≈ $25.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9011). Once you factor in Mandan's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $57,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mandan, North Dakota, the projected median annual salary for massage therapists in 2026 stands at $53,289, which is notably lower than the national median of $61,975. This puts the local pay approximately 14.02% below the national average for this occupation. The salary range for therapists in the area varies significantly, with the 10th percentile earning around $34,583 and those in the 90th percentile making up to $82,597. These figures are derived from state-level data and incorporate regional cost adjustments. As the market continues to evolve, those seeking to enter the massage therapy profession in Mandan can expect a competitive environment, with varying pay scales based on the type of employment, particularly when comparing franchise opportunities like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone to independent practices.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,583 | $16.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,693 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,289 | $25.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,209 | $32.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,597 | $39.71 |
Median Salary Position
14.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
In Mandan, ND, the massage therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,014 (2026 est.). At $53,289, the local median is 14.02% below the national median of $61,975.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mandan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mandan Massage Therapist Pay Compares
Mandan median: $53,289/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mandan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $56,993 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $61,975 | -14.02% less |
Massage Therapists in Mandan, ND earn a median of $53,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% lower than the national median of $61,975 and 6.50% below the North Dakota state average of $56,993.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mandan 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.
Mandan, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A massage therapist earning $53,289 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,923 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,819
2025 BLS Actual
$50,258
2026 Current Est.
$53,289
2019–2027 Growth
+53.5%
Salary Trajectory for Massage Therapists in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,819 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,872 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,993 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,289 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mandan metropolitan area, the median massage therapist salary grew 36.5% from $36,819 (2019) to $50,258 (2025). At a 6.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,683 (53.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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) | $34,583 – $40,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,693 – $53,289 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,289 – $68,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,209 – $82,597 |
LMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual massage therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Massage Therapist Job Market in Mandan
Looking deeper into the local job market, Mandan currently employs six massage therapists, a number that reflects the small community and its unique economic landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 92, residing in Mandan allows for relatively affordable living costs, which can enhance overall purchasing power for massage therapists. Franchise establishments typically offer lower pay yet provide consistent hours, making them an option for those prioritizing stability. Conversely, self-employed practitioners might earn significantly more per client but must manage their own marketing and overhead expenses. The pay disparity largely stems from the differences in employment structure, including tips that can contribute deeply to earnings. Specializing in areas such as oncology or sports therapy may further enhance earning potential in this market. For maximizing income, therapists are encouraged to cultivate a diverse client base and consider premium services—all essential in understanding massage therapist pay in Mandan, ND.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $50,258 for massage therapistsin the Mandan 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 Mandan 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