Massage Therapy Schools in North Dakota

Guide to North Dakota Massage Therapy Degree Programs

North Dakota is an interesting option for those seeking massage therapy degrees. The state provides one in-state option for getting training onsite. That school makes its home in the state capital of Bismarck. The largest city in the state is Bismarck. The state ranks 48th among all of the states in population. Its population either has shrunk or remained steady for the past few censuses. Many people move from the rural communities to the urban centers. Young people keep leaving the state and not returning once they get a degree.

North Dakota is famous for being an agricultural giant. This continues in today’s world as well. Many areas in the western part of the state get revenue from oil reserves found in recent years. The state also holds potential for wind energy production since the Plains wind speed usually never go below 10 mph. Military bases at Grand Forks and Minot provide economic boosts for those towns. Canadian exports enter the state at different points. Food processing of agricultural outputs significantly contributes to the state’s economy as well. Native Americans are the largest minority in the state, but they only have a 5% share. How can the Peace Garden State help you achieve your massage therapy dreams?

North Dakota Massage Therapy Job Outlook and Salary

North Dakota provides few options for massage therapists. Bismarck and Fargo provide the most opportunities but their low populations mean a shallow job pool. The state requires regulation of massage therapists practicing inside its borders. The North Dakota State Board of Massage handles this work. Candidates must pass a state Exam and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork exam. Therapists are also required to get additional training each year to maintain their credentials.

Massage therapists in North Dakota can expect to start making $13,000 to $15,000 per year to begin with. As they gain experience and a steady client base, that salary averages out to around $21,000. This is significantly lower than the national median of $34,900. However, the state offsets this with a lower cost of living. Those practicing around Bismarck and Fargo can expect a higher annual income. The North Dakota Department of Workforce Development projects that the state’s demand for massage therapists will grow by 9% in the next few years. This is well below the national average of 20%. The state’s dwindling population strength directly contributes to this low figure.