How Much to Tip for a Massage

15–20%

At a day spa or hotel spa, tip a massage therapist 15–20% of the undiscounted price. Tipping is usually not expected for clinical massage in a medical, chiropractic or physical therapy setting.

Tip$0.00
Total with tip
$0.00

How much to tip, situation by situation

SituationTypical tip
Day spa or massage chain15–20%
Hotel spa (check for service charge)15–20% if none added
Discounted or membership massageTip on full price
Medical or PT massageNot expected
Owner-operator therapistOptional; many still tip

Massage therapist tip on common prices

Price15%20%
$25$3.75$5.00
$50$7.50$10.00
$75$11.25$15.00
$100$15.00$20.00
$150$22.50$30.00
$200$30.00$40.00

Worth knowing

  • Membership chains often pay therapists a small cut of the discounted price, which is why tipping on full price is common.

Working it out by hand? See how to calculate a tip. Travelling? Customs differ abroad: tipping by country.

Questions people ask

Do you tip on a massage gift card?

Yes. Gift cards usually cover the service only; tip 15–20% of the value.

Do you tip a massage therapist who owns the business?

Optional. Many do, and it is always welcomed.