Learn how much to tip a massage therapist, explore 15%-20% tipping guidelines, see Raleigh massage prices, and understand proper tipping etiquette.
Tipping your massage therapist should be between 15% and 20% of the total cost of services. The tip will be 15% when you have had a satisfactory session, 18%-20% when you have had an excellent session, and even higher if your massage therapist exceeded your expectations. In a massage spa or studio, 20% is currently the standard tipping rate. Therefore, for a massage that costs $90, the tip will be $13.50-$18. Some clients simply round up their tip to $15 or $20.
How Much Should You Tip a Massage Therapist?
The tipping standard for a massage is between 15% and 20% of the cost of the service. The majority of therapists believe that 20% would be an acceptable thank-you for a quality experience. The prices below match the standard Raleigh Massage rates.
| Service | Price | 15% Tip | 18% Tip | 20% Tip |
| 60-minute massage | $90 | $13.50 | $16.20 | $18.00 |
| 90-minute massage | $135 | $20.25 | $24.30 | $27.00 |
| 60-minute couples massage | $179 | $26.85 | $32.20 | $35.80 |
| 90-minute couples massage | $249 | $37.35 | $44.80 | $49.80 |
| 60-minute massage + hot stone add-on | $110 | $16.50 | $19.80 | $22.00 |
Check the Raleigh Massage services page for current rates.
What Percentage Is a Good Tip?
- 15%: Good, standard service.
- 18% to 20%: Great service. This range works for most visits.
- 25% or more: Outstanding results, a long session, or a therapist who relieved a problem like chronic neck pain.
Do You Tip on the Original Price or the Discounted Price?
Tips are based on the total amount. Your therapist gives the same level of effort whether the service is discounted, a Groupon, part of your membership, or a gift certificate. For instance, if you pay $50 for a $100 massage, tip between $15 and $20.
Should You Tip Your Massage Therapist at All?
Yes, in the majority of situations. In America, it is normal practice to tip at spas, wellness centers, massage franchises, and hotels. Often therapists receive an hourly salary or split commissions, and tips form a considerable proportion of their earnings.
Tipping also recognizes the hard work and skills of the therapist. The therapist needs to use their techniques and knowledge of anatomy to relieve you from pain and stress.
Is 20% a Good Tip for a Massage?
Yes. 20% tip is quite generous and common practice when the massage therapist works in an old-fashioned day spa in America. This amount reflects appreciation for the time, attention, and service of the therapist. For instance:
- $60 massage: Leave a $12 tip.
- $100 massage: Leave a $20 tip.
- $150 massage: Leave a $30 tip.
You do not have to leave 20% every single time you visit. You must take into account your personal budget, as well as the service that is provided.
How to Tip a Massage Therapist in Different Settings
Spa or Hotel Massage
Look on the bill for a resort fee or service charge. Check with the front desk and ask, “Does the service charge include the tip for the therapist?” If not, tip 18%-20%.
Massage Chain or Franchise
Most chains will allow you to add tips upon check-out using a credit card or leaving cash. Tip based on the full price of the massage, not the member rate.
Mobile or In-Home Massage
Tip 20%. This includes an additional tip due to the time it takes for the mobile therapist to drive to you and set up and pack away a massage table and supplies in your place.
Couples Massage
Tip individually. Take the total cost of each individual massage therapy session and calculate 15%-20% and tip accordingly.
Medical or Therapeutic Massage
Tips are not mandatory. When getting a massage therapy session done in a clinical environment, you can thank your massage therapist through a positive review or by referring others to him/her.
Chair Massage
Tip 5 dollars to 10 dollars for a chair massage that lasts 10 to 20 minutes, or 15% to 20% for a more expensive chair massage.
Tipping Etiquette: Quick Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Look at the receipt for the service charge before giving tips.
- Give tips based on the total cost of the service.
- Give tips to each therapist individually.
- Inform the therapist about what you enjoyed.
- Discuss issues with the manager.
Don’t:
- Give tips after the therapy session.
- Don’t give tips since you have got a discount.
- Don’t ask if the service charge is received by the therapist.
- Tips should be given to get services beyond the menu. It is impossible to receive any services from the professional therapist.
What Factors Affect How Much You Should Tip?
You do not need to use the same tip amount for every massage appointment. A few practical factors can help you decide what feels appropriate.
Quality of Service
Take into consideration the level of professionalism, communication skills, and attentiveness to your needs of the therapist. Has he or she listened to your wishes? Have the adjustments been made after your requests? All those features can improve your experience significantly.
Massage Duration
Long sessions cost more than the short ones. As the percentage is used as a basis for calculating the tip, it becomes higher along with the price of the service. Thus, the tip of 20% on the massage priced at $60 will be $12, and $24 on the massage priced at $120.
Type of Massage
Different massage types may have different pricing, as well as expectations of tips. Swedish, deep tissue, sports, hot stone, and other kinds of spa massages might be different in terms of their methods and duration. Your choice of the appropriate tip will depend on the cost of the service and the policy of the facility, not on the necessity of giving a larger tip to a certain type of massage.
Personal Budget
It is also important to consider your personal financial position. The tip should fit within your budget. You should not be forced to tip more than 20 percent when you find it difficult to afford it. When the tip is optional, and you cannot afford to pay extra money, it is alright to thank the masseuse and go.
How Much Should You Tip for Different Types of Massage?
The appropriate tip often depends more on the facility’s business model than the massage technique itself. The following examples use the common 15% to 20% spa guideline.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage involves a light to medium amount of pressure in a gliding motion to help promote relaxation. Therefore, if you have Swedish massage performed in a day spa, tip 15%-20% of the total cost of the session.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage works by targeting the deep muscles of your body and other parts of your body. You will have the therapist adjust the pressure based on your comfort level. In this case, you should tip 15% to 20%.
Sports Massage
Sports massage tends to target specific muscle groups that are used in physical activity. This form of massage can help with an athlete’s recovery process and work on specific muscles. For spa sports massages, you can use the standard tipping rules for spas. If the treatment is done in a physical therapy facility, find out if tipping is accepted there.
Hot Stone Massage
The hot stone massage technique uses stones as its key component. Tipping 15% to 20% is a standard practice for this type of massage in spas.
Couples Massage
Couples massage requires working with two masseurs at one time. In such a case, if both therapists work on you and your partner, it is better to give tips to each of them. For instance, if each massage costs $100, then 20% of that is $20 for each therapist.
Do You Tip a Massage Therapist Who Owns the Business?
The old saying was that you should not tip owners. This no longer applies. Clients will now tip owners the same way they tip any massage therapist. If you are not sure what to do, contact the front desk.
Do You Tip at a Medical or Chiropractic Office?
Tipping is not typically expected in clinical settings such as doctor’s offices, physical therapy clinics, or chiropractors, especially if your insurance is covering your massage. At spas or massage studios, even when getting therapeutic massages like deep tissue massages, tipping is expected.
Is the Tip Already Included?
Some spas and hotels may have a service fee, especially for large groups. Always look at your bill before paying. If the gratuity is already included, there is no need to tip additional unless you wish to thank someone for great service. In case of doubt about tipping at Raleigh Massage, just ask the front desk.
Massage in Raleigh and Wake Forest, NC
Raleigh Massage offers Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and couples massage with licensed North Carolina therapists at two locations:
- Raleigh: 804 Salem Woods Dr STE 204A, Raleigh, NC 27615, near Falls of Neuse and Six Forks Road
- Wake Forest: 1890 S Main St STE 100, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Both locations are open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, with same-day appointments when the schedule allows. Call 919-928-2934 or book your massage online. Want to give the gift of relaxation? See our massage gift cards.
Conclusion
Knowing the right amount to give as a tip for massage therapy is essential in observing proper etiquette and appreciating good services. In the United States, 15%-20% of the service charge would be sufficient when giving tips to therapists at most massage spas. At Raleigh Massage, you have the chance to calculate your tips according to the published service charges. Make sure to always know whether gratuity is included and also consider your budget.
