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.
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.
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.
Tipping practices can vary, but a common guideline for tipping a massage therapist is to give between 15% to 20% of the total cost of the service. For an hour-long massage, if the service costs, for example, $100, you would typically tip between $15 and $20.
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.
The most traditional way to tip is in person, either directly to your therapist in cash or added to your credit card charge at the front desk - this is the easiest method and allows you to thank your therapist personally for their service.
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.
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.
Factors like budget constraints and quality of service can influence the tip amount. Cash tips are preferred by most massage therapists as they provide immediate gratification and may help with income reporting for independent contractors.
All well known massage franchises offer 50 minutes of hands-on treatment time, and call that a One Hour Massage. At Be Well Bodyworks, our One Hour Massages are 60 minutes of hands-on treatment. That added 10 minutes makes a BIG difference and allows therapists to work on every part of the body, without feeling rushed.
Therapists devote their undivided attention and utilize various techniques to ensure a quality experience. Additionally, expenses such as rent for the massage space, utilities, equipment, and supplies are factored into the overall cost.
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.
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.
The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.
Multiply 20 by 130 and divide both sides by 100. Hence, 20% of 130 is 26.
The cost of a manicure or pedicure in the U.S. can range from $20 to $50, with the national average being $45. The typical tipping amount for a basic manicure or pedicure service is 17-18%. Of course, you are welcome to tip more, but the minimum recommended tip is at least $5.
During your appointment, avoid talking on your phone unless it's an emergency. You and everyone else at the salon or spa are there to relax. It's also considered proper etiquette to tip your pedicurist – about 15-20% is considered appropriate.
A 20% tip may be standard, but the percentage can vary. More complex jobs or a stylist that went above and beyond might merit a bigger tip. If service was poor, a little less might be appropriate.
Actually, you can get massaged too frequently. Once a week is the most you should go unless you are dealing with pain or high-intensity sports. Between you and your therapist, you'll be able to determine the best frequency because your body's response is a large part of this determination.
Specifically, for: Stress aim to schedule an evening massage as it tends to relieve the physical and mental stress accumulated during the day. Alternatively, you can also get such a stress-relieving experience from an afternoon massage (ideally after work). Muscle pain you can aim for an evening massage as well.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
DON'T Feel Pressured to Make Conversation
In some settings, silence is rude. Massage is not one of those settings. Most massage therapists will tell you that they perform their best work in silence. But if you prefer to chat while you're getting a massage, that's okay too.