Tipping can sometimes be confusing and sensitive, but it doesn’t have to be.

As a general rule of thumb, many people tip around 15-20% of what the massage service costs.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from standard massage tipping rates to how you should calculate your tip. 👇

Standard Tipping Rates for Massage Therapists

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

For example, if your massage costs $100, you’d tip $15 to $20. 

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.

However, it’s important to note that massage tipping rates can vary based on various factors, such as the quality of service, the massage location, and your personal budget. 

Factors Influencing the Amount of Tip

Several factors can influence the amount you should tip for a massage. Let’s dive deeper:

The Massage Therapist’s Preference

Remember: Sometimes, tipping is a personal choice. 

Other times, massage therapists price their services, so they don’t have to rely on tips to reach revenue goals. They might even ask you not to tip them.

For example, Emily Rogers is an RMT at Pearl Healthcare in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

In this province, “massage therapy is a regulated healthcare profession,” and tipping a medical professional is unethical.

“I was always taught that it was against our ethics to accept tips,” she said. “I believe that no one should ever feel pressured to tip for a healthcare service.”

The Quality of Service

The quality of service provided plays a huge role in determining the appropriate tip amount. 

Again, the average tip is 15-20% of the service total, but!

If your massage therapist exceeded your expectations (creating a serene environment, addressing your specific needs, and delivering exceptional results), you might want to tip them more.

Go for it!

Exceptional service deserves recognition and appreciation. 

On the other hand, if the service fell short of your expectations, it’s OK to tip less. However, we don’t recommend not tipping at all. 

After your appointment, communicate your concerns with the massage therapist or the spa establishment.

Feedback is vital to helping them improve their services for future clients – and bigger tips!

The Type of Massage

Not all massages are created equal. 

Different types of massages require varying levels of skill, specialization, and training. 

For example, a deep tissue, prenatal, or sports massage often requires more intense techniques, targeting specific areas of tension or injury. 

These massages may also require the use of specific equipment to address chronic conditions or injuries.

In that case, consider tipping more generously to show how much you appreciate the therapist’s expertise and effort. 

As a client, it’s important to remember that specialized massage services require additional knowledge and training, and the therapists who excel in these areas deserve recognition for their expertise.

Location and Cost of Living

You might not have thought about it, but…

It’s essential to factor in the location and cost of living when determining your tip amount. 

Why?

Your tip needs to reflect the economic realities of the area. 

Massage therapists in areas with a higher cost of living, like big cities, may face higher business expenses: rent, utilities, and transportation costs (in addition to their personal cost of living).

If you’re getting a massage in a busy area, a slightly higher tip can help the massage therapist sustain a livelihood that matches the local economy. 

Keep in mind: In some areas with a higher cost of living, massages may be priced accordingly — and the therapist might have a tip-less policy. 

For example, a 60-minute massage in Los Angeles costs around $120 — and that’s a deal in some hotspots.  

However, a 60-minute massage in State College, Pennsylvania, costs $95. 

Either way, as a client, when you consider the cost of living, you’re going the extra mile for your therapist. 

(Check out this guide of massage prices in the United States to prepare your wallet.)

Your Personal Budget

If you’re booking a massage, make sure you budget for the tip. 

Massages can be an extravagant treat or a necessary therapy, but either way: The therapist is performing a service, and you need to recognize their expertise.

The Setting: Where is Your Massage Appointment?

If you’re going to a spa, they often have a designated tipping policy. 

It’s customary to leave a tip ranging from 15-20% of the total cost of the service. Some spas include the gratuity in the bill, so check beforehand and adjust your payment accordingly.

If you’re enjoying a massage in the comfort of your own home (aka mobile massage therapy), tipping etiquette remains the same. It’s recommended to tip around 15-20% of the massage cost to show appreciation for the therapist’s travel and setup time.

If you’re getting a massage in a hotel or resort, tipping expectations may vary. 

Some establishments include a tipping charge in the bill, while others leave it to your discretion. 

If tip is included, it’s still considered polite to offer a little extra, especially if the service was exceptional.

Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service provided. 

It’s a gesture of gratitude that can make a difference in the lives of those who work in the massage industry. 

By considering the factors mentioned above, you can tip the appropriate amount, ensuring fairness while acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the massage therapist.

How to Calculate the Right Tip for a Massage Therapist

Now that you understand the basics of tipping and have explored different scenarios, let’s explore some practical methods for calculating the right tip for your massage therapist.

Percentage-Based Tips

If you prefer the more common approach, calculate the tip based on a percentage of the massage cost. 

Determine the percentage you wish to tip (usually 15-20%) and multiply it (in decimal form!) by the massage cost. The resulting amount is your tip.

For example: $100 x .20 = $20 

Flat-Rate Tips

Alternatively, you can choose to tip a flat rate. This method is useful if you’re more comfortable with a predetermined tip amount. 

Based on the factors above, decide on an appropriate flat rate tip that reflects your experience.

How to Tip Your Therapist

Tipping your massage therapist is a great way to show gratitude (if their policies allow tipping!). 

But… 

Tipping can be awkward for some people. Here are the best ways to tip after your massage appointment:

Card

Most people don’t carry cash anymore, so a lot of massage therapists will accept tips with your credit or debit card. 

Add the tip on the checkout screen or sign it on a paper receipt. 

(Here’s how to determine tipping protocol for contactless payment.)

Cash

While it’s possible to tip your massage therapist using a debit or credit card, using cash is preferable.

Therapists have to report tips from cards on their taxes, which means their income is actually less. However, with cash, the entire tip goes to your service provider. 

If you forget to carry cash, you can always use a nearby ATM to withdraw some before your appointment.

Peer-to-peer payment apps

You likely use peer-to-peer payment apps to split restaurant bills, send rent money, etc. 

These include Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Zelle, Google Pay, and Apple Cash. 

You can tip your provider using these apps; however, these companies are cracking down on using P2P payment apps for business purposes.

Here’s why you should consider avoiding them for business payments, especially Venmo. 

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on how much to tip for a massage. 

Remember, tipping is a way to express gratitude and appreciation for the service you received.