How much do you tip a massage therapist for a 60 minute massage?

[Anonymous]

All the MT comments seem to suggest the same thing. "They are not getting paid enough and hence need to rely on the tips". So, shouldn't the question be why they are not getting paid enough in the 1st place? You should never compare hard work in jobs. Everyone works hard for their money. I don't understand why getting tips should be made mandatory. I am not saying that you should not make more money but that you should get more money from the companies you are working for and not from the customers. The customers shouldn't be put in a delicate situation of whether to tip or not tip.

It should be a simple problem of supply/demand. If you charge more and people still come, that means you can earn more. If you need to reduce the money to get people to come, then you earn less. If what you earn doesn't accommodate your current lifestyle, then you need to do something to get paid more or change your lifestyle to fit your earnings. You can't be jealous of someone making more or feel pity for someone making less. It all depends on the choices you make and you live with the consequences. If you were sold lies, then you need to fight it and educate others.

If I eat out and if it normally costs me $20/person without tips, you can build the tips into it and make the charge $25. If I find it too high, I will stop eating less outside and will start cooking more at my house. If I can afford it and find that $25 is fine, then I will continue to eat outside.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All the MT comments seem to suggest the same thing. "They are not getting paid enough and hence need to rely on the tips". So, shouldn't the question be why they are not getting paid enough in the 1st place? You should never compare hard work in jobs. Everyone works hard for their money. I don't understand why getting tips should be made mandatory. I am not saying that you should not make more money but that you should get more money from the companies you are working for and not from the customers. The customers shouldn't be put in a delicate situation of whether to tip or not tip.

It should be a simple problem of supply/demand. If you charge more and people still come, that means you can earn more. If you need to reduce the money to get people to come, then you earn less. If what you earn doesn't accommodate your current lifestyle, then you need to do something to get paid more or change your lifestyle to fit your earnings. You can't be jealous of someone making more or feel pity for someone making less. It all depends on the choices you make and you live with the consequences. If you were sold lies, then you need to fight it and educate others.

If I eat out and if it normally costs me $20/person without tips, you can build the tips into it and make the charge $25. If I find it too high, I will stop eating less outside and will start cooking more at my house. If I can afford it and find that $25 is fine, then I will continue to eat outside.

+1

[Anonymous]

The best I've experienced was owner/masseuse said she was a professional and did not accept tips. Her hourly rate was high, but for the no-tip policy and quality massage it was worth it. It was more professional to pay flat rate instead of rate + tip where I'm supposed to guess how much to supplement the income.
Since I moved I mostly encounter the type that charges low rate (to bring customers in) plus tip, plus they tell me their problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The best I've experienced was owner/masseuse said she was a professional and did not accept tips. Her hourly rate was high, but for the no-tip policy and quality massage it was worth it. It was more professional to pay flat rate instead of rate + tip where I'm supposed to guess how much to supplement the income.
Since I moved I mostly encounter the type that charges low rate (to bring customers in) plus tip, plus they tell me their problems.

Please tell me who this non-tipping masseuse is... would like to give some business

[Anonymous]

20%, round up.

[Anonymous]

As an LMP who travels to my clients home this topic is of interest to me. Many have differing opinions and that's perfectly reasonable.

I personally should be charging much more for what I do. It's only $75 that I charge and only $10 more for Aromatherapy. I love what I do, deep tissue is a much more taxing modality on the Massage Therapist/Practitioner. I have yet to charge more for that.

I don't expect a tip, but I'm always thankful if I get one.

These are some of the expenditures out of pocket that I pay for as an independent self employed mobile LMP.

Gas/oil and any other services to my vehicle. If my client is 30 miles away that's a 60 mile trip for 1 client in the convenience of their own home where they get to chill after instead of getting in their vehicle and driving themselves after Theraputic massage plus saving themselves a few gallons of gas or more. Depending on the price of gas which is average $3.00 a gal in my State that can run me $25-30 out of pocket.
$75-85 (depending on aromatherapy) 75-25=$50

Massage lotions, oils, towels, equipment all cost out of pocket.
I don't use crap product, only the best, I never use anything with any form of toxins, fragrance, or chemical. I know many who do, but I can't and won't. Only the best for my clients because I care about their health on every level. Even my cleaning supplies including what I wash the table/chair with, and the laundry from towells, blankets and sheets are washed in Thieves cleaner completely toxic free, plant cleaners.

How much supply I use depends on the client. I've used as much as $25 worth of product when I broke down my diffuser with the essential oils diffusing in the air, and applied with the carrier and essential oil on the client. But I average about $15 worth including oils (carriers), essential oils, cleaning, washing. 50-15=$35

Then often have to count the unpaid time equalling to about 3 hours. 1 hour for the actual massage, and 2 for preparation and drive time, set up, break down. That time is not paid obviously, lol.

I buy my own massage oil bottles that I often make specific client specific blends for, I pay the tax and shipping as well. Paper towels etc.

Then there is yearly insurance and licensing, and depending on your State I have to provide continueing education hours which can easily cost between $800-2500 depending on the classes to keep my license.

I also pay for my website, advertising, and computer, and business phone expenses. That runs me average $200 a month.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but I'm thankful for this thread because it's really making take a harder look at cost.

I know when you work for a Spa...unless you are independent and only operating their independently. But if you work for a Spa, usually the tables are already provided for, you don't have to buy your own, or replace parts etc. They generally supply the lotions, oil, towels etc.
And you drive there stay till your shift is over and drive home (pretty much).

Massage work is not easy. It's very hard on the practitioners body. Could you kneed bread for 3 hours straight without stopping? Just something to think about.

[Anonymous]

To the traveling LMP, your response is probably the best I have heard so far. What state do you live in? I do think you should charge a bit more for the convenience of going to peoples homes or at least a surcharge for anywhere outside a 15 mile radius from where you reside. Best of luck to you....I really respect that you love what you do and have such a high regard for your clients!

[Anonymous]

I am with Massage Envy and it is tough trying to be able to afford this. I can't look at it as a luxury because my muscles are sore from working in front of a computer all day. I am approaching it from a medical standpoint. So with that, do you tip your doctor for providing good service? I had an hour massage and I tipped $5. I think tipping is/should be optional, because they (I am sure) get paid more than the $2.35/hr wait staff gets. But they put me on the spot and asked if I wanted to leave a gratuity for my therapist. I felt pressured and did. How about tipping what I CAN AFFORD? I need the service and shouldn't feel ashamed that I can't tip as much as some people. I also don't like to be dictated to about how much it should be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an LMP who travels to my clients home this topic is of interest to me. Many have differing opinions and that's perfectly reasonable.

I personally should be charging much more for what I do. It's only $75 that I charge and only $10 more for Aromatherapy. I love what I do, deep tissue is a much more taxing modality on the Massage Therapist/Practitioner. I have yet to charge more for that.

I don't expect a tip, but I'm always thankful if I get one.

These are some of the expenditures out of pocket that I pay for as an independent self employed mobile LMP.

Gas/oil and any other services to my vehicle. If my client is 30 miles away that's a 60 mile trip for 1 client in the convenience of their own home where they get to chill after instead of getting in their vehicle and driving themselves after Theraputic massage plus saving themselves a few gallons of gas or more. Depending on the price of gas which is average $3.00 a gal in my State that can run me $25-30 out of pocket.
$75-85 (depending on aromatherapy) 75-25=$50

Massage lotions, oils, towels, equipment all cost out of pocket.
I don't use crap product, only the best, I never use anything with any form of toxins, fragrance, or chemical. I know many who do, but I can't and won't. Only the best for my clients because I care about their health on every level. Even my cleaning supplies including what I wash the table/chair with, and the laundry from towells, blankets and sheets are washed in Thieves cleaner completely toxic free, plant cleaners.

How much supply I use depends on the client. I've used as much as $25 worth of product when I broke down my diffuser with the essential oils diffusing in the air, and applied with the carrier and essential oil on the client. But I average about $15 worth including oils (carriers), essential oils, cleaning, washing. 50-15=$35

Then often have to count the unpaid time equalling to about 3 hours. 1 hour for the actual massage, and 2 for preparation and drive time, set up, break down. That time is not paid obviously, lol.

I buy my own massage oil bottles that I often make specific client specific blends for, I pay the tax and shipping as well. Paper towels etc.

Then there is yearly insurance and licensing, and depending on your State I have to provide continueing education hours which can easily cost between $800-2500 depending on the classes to keep my license.

I also pay for my website, advertising, and computer, and business phone expenses. That runs me average $200 a month.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but I'm thankful for this thread because it's really making take a harder look at cost.

I know when you work for a Spa...unless you are independent and only operating their independently. But if you work for a Spa, usually the tables are already provided for, you don't have to buy your own, or replace parts etc. They generally supply the lotions, oil, towels etc.
And you drive there stay till your shift is over and drive home (pretty much).

Massage work is not easy. It's very hard on the practitioners body. Could you kneed bread for 3 hours straight without stopping? Just something to think about.

Then charge more, its tacky for someone who is self employed to expect a tip. If you want more money, ask for it upfront.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Massage therapist here. I don't get a "percentage" or "cut" of the massage price at the office I work at. I am an employee and get an hourly pay. We are paid by the owner with the idea that we will receive tips. Massage is a service. I personally give my best possible massage to every person I work on. Often told they received the best massage ever. Most people tip, some people assume I get a "cut" of the massage price they paid and therefore don't tip. But my advice is, if you enjoyed your massage and like your therapist, tip them. It's a good energy exchange. And %10-20 of the full price service is the average.

You get paid $20 an hour. I pay $100 an hour. You make 20% (less taxes, so maybe 15%) of what I pay for my massage. So yeah, you do get a cut of what I pay.

[Anonymous]

As an LMP who travels to my clients home this topic is of interest to me. Many have differing opinions and that's perfectly reasonable.

I personally should be charging much more for what I do. It's only $75 that I charge and only $10 more for Aromatherapy. I love what I do, deep tissue is a much more taxing modality on the Massage Therapist/Practitioner. I have yet to charge more for that.

I don't expect a tip, but I'm always thankful if I get one.

These are some of the expenditures out of pocket that I pay for as an independent self employed mobile LMP.

Gas/oil and any other services to my vehicle. If my client is 30 miles away that's a 60 mile trip for 1 client in the convenience of their own home where they get to chill after instead of getting in their vehicle and driving themselves after Theraputic massage plus saving themselves a few gallons of gas or more. Depending on the price of gas which is average $3.00 a gal in my State that can run me $25-30 out of pocket.
$75-85 (depending on aromatherapy) 75-25=$50

I don't even know where to begin with this. So, if your car gets 20 miles per gallon, you've used up 3 gallons or $9.00. Not sure where you're getting $30 - that's ridiculous.
Second, most MT that come to my home charge more than the spa massages - and that surcharge, I thought, accounts for the gas and your time to drive between clients, rather than seeing clients back-to back. If you're not doing that, then you are making a big mistake.

Massage lotions, oils, towels, equipment all cost out of pocket.
I don't use crap product, only the best, I never use anything with any form of toxins, fragrance, or chemical. I know many who do, but I can't and won't. Only the best for my clients because I care about their health on every level. Even my cleaning supplies including what I wash the table/chair with, and the laundry from towells, blankets and sheets are washed in Thieves cleaner completely toxic free, plant cleaners.

How much supply I use depends on the client. I've used as much as $25 worth of product when I broke down my diffuser with the essential oils diffusing in the air, and applied with the carrier and essential oil on the client. But I average about $15 worth including oils (carriers), essential oils, cleaning, washing. 50-15=$35

Again, I've often seen a surcharge for "better" products. I've often seen (and paid for) up to $40 for better products. You need to start doing that as well.

Then often have to count the unpaid time equalling to about 3 hours. 1 hour for the actual massage, and 2 for preparation and drive time, set up, break down. That time is not paid obviously, lol.

Ugh - LOL - see my first answer. It's obviously paid for by the client - IF YOU CHARGE for it. You're an idiot for not charging extra for these things and NO ONE would question why a mobile MT who comes to your home charges more than a spa MT.

I buy my own massage oil bottles that I often make specific client specific blends for, I pay the tax and shipping as well. Paper towels etc.

Then there is yearly insurance and licensing, and depending on your State I have to provide continueing education hours which can easily cost between $800-2500 depending on the classes to keep my license.

Normal cost of business that EVERY professional pays for.

I also pay for my website, advertising, and computer, and business phone expenses. That runs me average $200 a month.

Again - normal cost of business that EVERY business owner pays for

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but I'm thankful for this thread because it's really making take a harder look at cost.

I know when you work for a Spa...unless you are independent and only operating their independently. But if you work for a Spa, usually the tables are already provided for, you don't have to buy your own, or replace parts etc. They generally supply the lotions, oil, towels etc.
And you drive there stay till your shift is over and drive home (pretty much).

Massage work is not easy. It's very hard on the practitioners body. Could you kneed bread for 3 hours straight without stopping? Just something to think about.

I'm sorry, but your reasoning is completely ridiculous. I could lay out practically the same exact answers as you for my business and guess what???? I don't get tips. My price to clients takes into account my overhead costs (yes, that's what your last several points fall under) and mine can even include "office space" and "a chair" and "a computer" and even my gas driving to clients for meetings - but that's not a reason for my clients to tip me. This is INSANE. I just can't believe some people who demand tips because of their cost of doing business

[Anonymous]

You tip a massage therapist 15-20% in any setting unless they say they don't accept tips. Bunch of cheap bastards...

[Anonymous]

I'm on a monthly program that costs $70 for an hour. I use the same woman every time and I always tip her $20 in cash.

[Anonymous]

Wow, massages in my area are NO LESS than $100-$140 per hour. To tip at those rates seems out of control. I know it's a hard job but it appears they've factored in what they want to get paid. I have not tried Massage Envy etc, I go to a private practice. I'm going to stop getting massages and continue with physical therapy which do not expect tips and do an equivalent job for my needs. The reason I'm here is because the woman doing my massage last week was paid $100 for 60 minutes and complained during the massage that people were not tipping her. I didn't tip just because she p*ssed me off during the massage by stating that I need to tip her. We all have overhead and expenses that factor into our profession, and based on the comments, massage therapists are expecting the clients to cover their unexpected time off and overhead. This is one luxury item I'm cutting out of my budget, it's just too much of a hassle to deal with divas when you're paying for such of a high priced service to begin with. What's really insulting is when they accept groupons then complain to everyone within earshot how cheap groupon people are (I've never used groupon for a massage but heard about it for an hour while getting a massage). You'd think the massage is a talk therapy session for the massage therapist. Maybe the client should get paid for their time listening to their problems for an entire hour.

[Anonymous]

I would never tip less than $20 and more if massage is over $100. Given the amount of $$ people on this board claim to make, I am saddened and disappointed in the stinginess of those who are so cheap.