Massage Therapist Tip Calculator
Calculate appropriate tips for massage and spa services
Massage Therapist Tipping Guide
Tipping massage therapists is standard practice in spas, salons, and wellness centers. Even for medical or therapeutic massage, tipping is customary unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Massage Tipping Standards
- Standard Massage: 15-20% of service cost
- Excellent Service: 20-25%
- Spa Day Package: 20% of total package price, split among all providers
- Couples Massage: 20% per person (each partner tips their therapist)
- Hotel Spa: 20-25% (higher end venues)
- Budget Chains (Massage Envy): 15-20% is still expected
Special Situations
- Medical/Therapeutic Massage: Check if tipping is appropriate. Some medical practices have no-tip policies.
- Spa Owner: Traditional etiquette says not to tip owners, but modern practice is to tip 15-20% anyway.
- Promotion/Discount: Tip based on original full price, not discounted price.
- Gift Certificate: Tip is not included in gift certificates - bring cash to tip therapist.
- Insurance-Covered Massage: If insurance pays, still tip therapist based on service value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about tipping for this service
Tip 15-20% of the massage cost. For a $100 massage, tip $15-20. At luxury spas, 20-25% is more common. For exceptional massage, tip 25%.
Check the facility's policy. Some medical/therapeutic practices have no-tip policies. If unsure, ask reception. When tips are accepted, 15-20% is appropriate.
Yes! Chains like Massage Envy still expect 15-20% tips. Therapists there often earn lower base pay and rely on tips.
Always tip based on the original full price before discounts. Your therapist provided full service regardless of your promotional rate.
Each person tips their own therapist 15-20%. For example, two $100 massages means each person tips their therapist $20.