How Much to Tip for a Massage (or Other Spa Treatment) (2024)

Life
Etiquette

It's hard to unwind at the spa when all you're thinking about is how much to tip. Here's how much gratuity to give your massage therapist.

ByCari Wira Dineen

Updated on September 13, 2024

Fact checked by

Danielle Slauter

Fact checked byDanielle Slauter

Highlights: * Has worked as a fact checker for Real Simple since 2022 * Worked as a staff writer for Mochi Magazine * Currently runs and operates the United States blog for Student Beans

Our Fact-Checking Process

Massages are growing in popularity. The rise of massage franchise locations and day spas, as well as new and innovative varieties of massage (like hot stone, shiatsu, or Thai), points to a growing trend: More and more people are opting to include massage and spa therapies in their lifestyle.

"Whether you get a massage on a regular basis or view it as an occasional treat, it's important to know that tipping for your massage is considered proper etiquette," says Sharon Schweitzer, international etiquette expert and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. "Because a massage therapist or aesthetician is providing a service, you should tip them in addition to the cost of your service."

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Keep in mind that when you get a massage or facial at a spa, you're paying the spa for the service you receive from the aesthetician. While the masseuse receives a portion of your payment, they are not being paid directly by you. "The bottom line is that your tip helps your massage therapist's bottom line—they count on gratuities as income," says Daniel Post, spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute.

So how much should you tip for a massage (or other great spa treatment)? Here, find answers to all your tip and etiquette questions.

Sharon Schweitzer, international etiquette expert and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide
Daniel Post, spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute

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How Much to Tip for a Massage

The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20. "You can tip more or less depending on how satisfied you were with the massage," says Schweitzer,

Don't forget to simply say thank you. "Telling someone they did a good job is worth its weight in gold," Schweitzer says.

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How Much to Tip if You're Using a Coupon

If you purchase a series of massages or a deal from a discount site, you should still tip 20 percent on the original price—not the discounted price. "While you may have received a discount, the massage therapist still did the same amount of work, so they deserve a tip on the regular price of the treatment," Post says.

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How Much to Tip for a Private Massage

Since tips are standard protocol for a private masseuse, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive). Not sure? When in doubt, always ask, says Post, who says tipping is always appreciated.

How Much to Tip for a Massage at a Hotel or Destination Spa

Some all-inclusive spa destinations, like Canyon Ranch or other destination spas, often include gratuity in their pricing or automatically add it to the final bill. Schweitzer says to always check over your final bill to make sure gratuity was not already added, and to ask the person who checks you in or out of the spa what the tip policy is.

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The only time you should not tip your massage therapist is if they distinctly say that they have a no-tipping policy.

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How Much to Tip a Salon or Spa Owner

Unless the owner of the spa or salon actually performs the service, there's no reason to tip, says Schweitzer. If they do give you the massage, you'd tip the 20 percent.

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How Much to Tip When the Service Isn't Great

"Even if your massage wasn't the best one you've ever received, it's important to give a tip even if it's less than the standard 20 percent," says Post. If you had a negative experience, speak with the manager or the front desk instead of withholding a tip. (And better yet, speak up during the experience so your massage therapist may be able to change course and make things right and more relaxing for you during the massage.)

Should You Tip in Cash or on a Credit Card?

Schweitzer says it's really important to plan ahead and bring cash to tip your massage therapist. "When you pay cash directly to your masseuse, they get to take it home the very same day, instead of waiting for the spa to 'tip out' on the therapist's regular paycheck," she says.

Many spas provide small envelopes for tips. Simply write your therapist's name on the front and a note that it was from you.

No envelopes available? Schweitzer says she always slips her intended cash tip into her spa robe pocket and simply hands it to her therapist after her treatment is over.

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