Do you tip a massage therapist?

Author: Nettie Satterfield  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Even though there is no fixed amount, the standard tipping range for massage therapy typically falls between 15-25% of the session cost. The lower end (15%) is generally acceptable for a good experience, while 20% is more common for exceptional service.

Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?

Tipping is a common practice in the service industry, including for massage therapists. While it's not considered rude to not tip, many people choose to tip their massage therapist as a way to show appreciation for their services.

How much should I tip for a 60 minute massage?

Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.

This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist. If you're unsure, it's always a safe bet to stick within this range.

Is $20 a good tip for an hour massage?

$20 is always a decent tip for an hour massage. dont listen to the people in the comments saying that tipping is rude or outdated, this is untrue. if you enjoyed your massage and want to tip, feel free to!

Do massage therapists prefer cash tips?

Tipping, cash is definitely preferred, and handed directly to the practitioners even better.

How Much Should You Tip for A Massage?

What is a good tip for a $100 massage?

To keep the math simple, tipping 20% makes it easy to calculate and ensures you're on the generous end of the gratuity spectrum. For a $100 massage, a $20 tip is both generous and straightforward to figure out.

What is proper etiquette when getting a massage?

10 tips to get the most from your massage
  1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
  2. Don't eat just before a massage session. ...
  3. Be on time. ...
  4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. ...
  5. Communicate with your massage therapist. ...
  6. Remember to breathe normally.

Is a $10 tip enough for massage?

We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.

How much is a 90 minute massage?

Here is a summary of the average cost of massage therapy based on the duration of the session: 30 minutes: $30 to $65. 60 minutes: $50 to $130. 90 minutes: $90 to $175.

Where to leave tip after massage?

“Everyone prefers to be tipped in cash,” she says. “It's immediate, and they don't take taxes out.” After your massage therapist leaves the room for you to get dressed, you can leave the cash on the massage table or countertop, Gottsman says.

How often should you get a massage?

1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.

What to wear to a massage?

Leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home! I generally remind you of this before your session, and it's quite common for people to come straight from work, but with a bag of clothes to change into. I usually recommend wearing a t-shirt and yoga pants/sweatpants/shorts.

Do I tip a massage therapist who owns the business?

How Much to Tip a Salon or Spa Owner. Unless the owner of the spa or salon actually performs the service, there's no reason to tip, says Schweitzer. If they do give you the massage, you'd tip the 20 percent.

What is inappropriate for a massage therapist to do?

A therapist should never be sexual in any way with a client. That includes sexual touching, sexually explicit comments to or any sexual act whatsoever. Every well-trained massage therapist understands—or should understand—the guidelines that follow.

Do you tip your chiropractor?

Unlike a massage therapist at the spa, tipping your chiropractor is unnecessary. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who help with muscle and bone problems. When you visit them, it's like going to see your regular doctor. You don't tip your regular doctor, and the same goes for chiropractors.

How much to tip for a pedicure?

Length and complexity of service: Did you get a basic pedicure or add on extra treatments? Between 15-20% is OK for the basics. For more complex or detailed services like nail art or a full set of acrylics, 20-25% is appropriate. Location: Tipping norms may vary depending on the location and local culture.

Is a 30 minute deep tissue massage worth it?

Advantages of a 30-Minute Massage

Quick Stress Relief: A 30-minute rub down is ideal for a fast and effective strain discount, imparting a brief spoil from a hectic day. Focus on Problem Areas: This shorter session lets in for focused work on unique regions of tension, together with the neck, shoulders, or returned.

Why is massage so expensive?

The cost of a massage can vary quite a bit based on your skills as a therapist. More experienced therapists often charge higher rates because they have a wide range of techniques and a lot of experience. Newer therapists might offer lower prices, which is a great option for those on a budget.

Does insurance cover massages?

Massage therapy can be costly, but your insurance company may help to cover the costs. Additionally, you may be able to use FSA or HSA to cover the cost of medical massage. Either way, you will need a prescription from your primary care doctor for insurance even to consider helping with the costly treatments.

Is it OK to not tip for massage?

Most massage therapists who are business owners generally charge enough for their services so clients don't need to worry about a tip. A monetary tip is appreciated, but never required. We just love it when a client rebooks and sends their friends in for a massage. That's the best tip of all.

Is deep tissue massage good?

Deep tissue massage helps improve posture by addressing underlying tension and muscle imbalances in the body. It stretches and loosens tight muscles, improves joint flexibility through circulation, releases endorphins, and reduces tension and stress.

What is 20% tip for $130?

Multiply 20 by 130 and divide both sides by 100. Hence, 20% of 130 is 26.

What is the 1st rule of massage therapy?

The first rule of massage therapy is to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. This includes creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, using proper techniques and pressure, and communicating effectively with the client to ensure that they are comfortable with the massage.

What do they touch in a full body massage?

A full-body massage usually includes your arms, legs, hands and feet, your neck and back, your stomach and buttocks.

Is it OK to hug your massage therapist?

A hug with your therapist may be beneficial if it is non-sexual and provides comfort. Hugging is not forbidden, according to the different therapist ethics codes. However, some clients, such as those who have experienced sexual abuse, may be uncomfortable with a hug.

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