How much should I tip a massage therapist?

Author: Carroll Goodwin MD  |  Last update: Sunday, December 21, 2025

A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry. This range is widely accepted as a standard gesture of appreciation for satisfactory to excellent service, and is a perfectly acceptable tip.

How much do you 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 dont listen to the people in the comments saying that tipping is rude or outdated, this is untrue.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!

What is the etiquette for tipping massages?

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.

Is $10 a good tip for massage?

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. "You can tip more or less depending on how satisfied you were with the massage," says Schweitzer, Don't forget to simply say thank you.

How Much Should You Tip for A Massage?

Do massage therapists prefer cash tips?

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.

What is 20% tip for $130?

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

How much does a 90 minute massage cost?

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?

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.

Is it okay to touch your massage therapist?

Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching. Massage therapists are bound by a code of ethics emphasizing respect, consent, and professionalism.

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.

Do you tip a 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.

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.

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.

Do I tip a massage therapist who owns the business?

Then we have the massage therapist/business owner. 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.

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 it rude to not tip for a massage?

In many cultures, it is customary to tip service providers, including massage therapists, as a way to show appreciation for their work. While tipping is not necessarily mandatory, it is generally considered polite and customary in the Canada, North America and several other countries.

Are you supposed to take everything off for a massage?

TIPS FOR TAKING OFF CLOTHES FOR A MASSAGE

Always leave your underwear on. Women should wear a bra and briefs / pants, while men should wear briefs / boxer shorts - imagine what you would wear to the beach. 2. If you're feeling uncomfortable taking your clothes off, talk to your massage therapist.

What to do at end of massage?

Take It Easy

Avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or intense workouts for at least 24 hours. Give your muscles time to adapt and benefit from the work they've just received. Instead, opt for gentle movements like stretching or leisurely walks to help maintain flexibility.

Is $20 a good tip for a 90 minute massage?

Yes, you should tip at least 20% based on the regular cost of the service, even if you're using a coupon or gift certificate, says Sokolosky. So if a massage normally costs $100, tip $20 even if you have a coupon that discounts the massage to $80 or a gift card that covers the full cost.

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.

How long is a 1 hour massage?

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.

How to figure out a tip?

Figuring out the tip

If your total bill is $200 and you want to tip 15%, work out the tip by multiplying the total bill by 0.15. You can then add this amount to your bill when it comes to pay. Simple. Or alternatively, you can multiply the bill excluding service by 1.15 (assuming you want to leave that same 15% tip).

Is $20 a big tip?

Industry insider: common consensus says 15-20% is considered a normal tip, but honestly any amount less than 20% is considered a bad tip. If I (or the other servers I worked with) got less, we wondered what we did wrong. We weren't money-hungry monsters, though. There is a reason we expected 20% if we did a great job.

How much to tip a hairdresser for $130?

Most of these experts suggest leaving 15% to 20%, depending on the service and your satisfaction. Going with 20% is nice for the stylist and you because that math is pretty simple. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.

Previous article
Should I condition after oiling?
Next article
Do I use conditioner after glaze?