Just wondering what is the proper amount to tip a massage therapist? 20%? $20? I’m paying $40 for an hour massage. Suggestions appreciated…
They consider themselves to be professionals and are usually sole proprietors of their businesses.
Would a tip be in order at all?
Would you also tip your lawyer or CPA? I sure don’t.
If I’m wrong, I’d love to hear from some RMTs to understand why they should expect a tip as compared to other providers of professional services.
I agree. THe first time I went to a massage therapist I explained I was new and didn’t know the usual customs. She said they are considered medical professionals and wouldn’t expect a tip like a salon.
I tip mine 10-15% every time. he has never complained and he is worth it.
depending on how good that 40 dollar massage is. I would give 50.00. Mine cost 65.00, but I leave 80.00, as she is well worth 80.00
I used to go to a massage/chiropractor center that had physical therapists, dieticians, etc. I usually tipped a small amount ($5) just because I thought that the massage therapist is paying rent for the room etc and I just felt it was the right thing to do. I also usually tip my hair cutter and he and his family own their business. If I was only going to a place once, or not going back, I would probably not tip since they are their own business.
Good question. I’ve always assumed that because they are medical professionals that a tip isn’t required. Around here, most people pay a portion of the cost ($20-30/hr) with medical benefits so a tip seems especially odd.
I did give mine a $10 Starbucks gift card one morning when he came in early to give me a massage on short-notice.
If I were paying $40/hr for a massage, I’d probably tip. All RMTs I’ve seen are easily double that.
The one’s that I have been to are elite/professional athletes. They don’t expect tips, but certainly they deserve it base don the level of servie I have recieved and the reasonable cost… Tipping $10 on a $40 massage is certianly reasonable. That being said, some people don’t tip because it’s not in their nature and they don’t give **** about other people. I say, think about it from the RMT’s end and do what’s right.
He works out of a franchise called Massage Envy. Im not sure how they get paid there.
Being that I was a massage therapist for 5 years (swedish, sports therapy, prenatal, neuromuscular, spa)…
I worked on commission (45% of the cost of the massage-not sure if that is typical for all massage therapists). I did not own my own business and I rather enjoyed it when my clients gave me a little extra cash.
If my clients gave me anything I was happy. Most of the time they gave me $5 extra for a half hour massage and $10 extra for a hour massage.
Massage therapists don’t work on the same basis as a waitress or a waiter. Wait staff only make $3.09 an hour PLUS tips. The government expects employees in the hospitality business to make tips so they cut the hourly rate to “even it out.”
That all being said. I don’t think massage therapists EXPECT a tip. It is a nice gesture and greatly appreciated but not required.
I usually leave $10. I switched to someone new a few months ago who charges $70 and when I gave her $80 she asked if I wanted change. So, at least some of them are expecting a tip.
Whether it is tipping in restaurants, with a concierge, a massaage therapist or anyone providing a service I always try to remember that I may need a favor from the person in the future and that the unspoken rule of taking good care of a person can be returned in the “kharmic” continuum- although you should never *expect *a favor in return for a favor. Favors and tips are offered in the spirit of thankfulness and appreciation, not remuneration at some later date.
Good service people know this, be they a maitre d’, waiter, massage therapist or even health care professional- you take care of them, they take care of you. For a massage therspist this may mean you call them the day after a really tough race or workout to schedule an appointment only to learn they are booked. Depending on the tenor of your prior interaction with them it is not inconceivable that they may deem it appropriate to fit you into their already busy schedule. That’s a hook-up, never *expect *it or take it for granted, but always take care of the people who take care of you. It’s good kharma. It’s also polite.
You asking this question indicates your sincere concern over the issue and that is a kind and thoughtful gesture. I think the 20% figure you put out there is a very good amount also considering $40 is a very fair price for an hour massage.
Usually, the rule of thumb is that if the therapist/stylist is the owner of the place of practice, a tip is not expected. That being said, I know of quite a few therapists/business owners that did expect it. I had an office at a chiropractor’s and I would encourage clients to consider the massage as part of their healthcare. If they were to go to a spa or an establishment like Massage Envy, it would be a different story. Those therapists receive a percentage of the fee and a tip makes a big difference. Remember to only tip IF you are happy with the treatment that you paying for. Like others said, a 15-20% tip is fine.
Thanks for being so considerate. 
I’ve been going to him about every six weeks and leaving $20 tip. But now I’ll be seeing him every two weeks so I think $10 each visit should be fair. I am also paying $320 a month for a chiropractor and $250 for a coach…Getting healthy in this sport is draining me! Thanks for your help.
Depends on how happy the ending was.
Oh, I’m gonna get it for that.
i’m amazed this thread made it 15 posts before a happy ending reference…
I usually tip $10-15 for an hour massage.
Why are you gonna get it? That’s the 1st thing that popped into my head.
Tasteless would be if you asked how many digits they used to massage your prostate and if your nipples got tweaked.
Flip over real quickly!
I don’t tip. The guy I used to go to charged what ever price he wanted. One year he charged me $60 per hour, the following year it was $70 per hour. If they own their business, then no tip is in order, if they are an employee of a company, maybe different. Plus, $70 per hour is already steep, an extra $10 to $20 would mean that I wouldn’t be getting a massage.