How much should you tip a massage therapist for 90 minutes

Tipping a massage therapist is an important part of the service.

According to therapists, it’s not about how much you tip, but rather that you do tip at all.

If you are new to tipping at spas, here are some guidelines for tipping your masseuses:

  • Tip 20% of the cost of the treatment on cash payments or by credit card.
  • For each additional person receiving a treatment in your party, add another 10%.
  • Tip in cash if you can, or tip a little extra on your credit card bill.
  • If the massage is very expensive, ask at the front desk if a gratuity has already been included in the cost of your treatment. If it hasn’t, add another 20%.
  • Give a small gift to recognize outstanding service from therapists and an even smaller thank you when they make you feel particularly good. They may not open it until after you’ve left so they won’t be embarrassed by any big reactions.

Tipping for spa services isn’t always automatic, but when in doubt err on the side of generosity – which massage therapist wouldn’t want their clients to give them more money?

  • Is $20 a good tip for a 90-minute massage?
  • How much do you tip for a 75-minute massage?
  • What is a good tip for a massage therapist?
  • So how much should you tip a massage therapist?

How much should you tip a massage therapist for 90 minutes

Is $20 a good tip for a 90-minute massage?

20% of $100 is $20 so yes, that is a good tip.

At a high-end spa where services are typically very expensive (e.g., at least $100 for a 60-minute session), figure on tipping more like 25% of the cost, or perhaps even higher if they have gone out of their way to provide exceptional service.

How much do you tip for a 75-minute massage?

20% of an a75-minute massage is $15, so that is a good tip.

But if the service was exceptional, you may want to tip more.

If the massage therapist provides extra services, such as stretching or aromatherapy, tip them separately at the end of the massage.

A good rule of thumb is to give an extra $2-$5 per service.

Remember, when in doubt, always tip on the higher side!

Some people choose to tip a massage therapist more if they had an especially good experience.

If, for example, the therapist went out of their way to accommodate a special request or worked especially hard on a troublesome area, then a larger tip is certainly in order.

Do I need to tip my massage therapist if I’m not happy with the service?

On the other hand, if you felt like the therapist did not meet your expectations, then a smaller tip, or no tip at all, maybe more appropriate.

In any case, it is always best to discuss the issue with the therapist before leaving.

They will certainly appreciate any feedback you may have.

What is a good tip for a massage therapist?

A good tip would be $20-30 for a massage. It is customary to tip based on the length of the service, so plan for at least $20-30 if it is an hour or longer.

Some people choose to tip more if they had an especially good experience.

If you’re not sure how much to tip your massage therapist, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Tip 20% of the cost of your treatment on cash payments or by credit card.
  • For each additional person receiving massage treatment in your party, add another 10%.
  • Tip in cash if you can, or tip a little extra on your credit card bill.

So how much should you tip a massage therapist?

$20 – 60 minutes

$30 – 90 minutes

$40 – 2 hours

Remember, when in doubt, always tip on the higher side!

Spas appreciate a 20 percent tip and like it even more if given in cash.

That’s because if you tip on your credit card, most spas will pay that tip out with the therapist’s weekly or biweekly paycheck.

The best way to show your appreciation is with a cash gratuity, but if that’s not possible, add it to your credit card bill. If the massage is very expensive, ask at the front desk if a gratuity has already been included in the cost of your treatment.

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a great massage in a blissful atmosphere. But that zen-like state can often be interrupted with moments of confusion when questions arise like: What's the appropriate clothing to wear? What's the proper etiquette in the steam room? And how much is an adequate tip?

TODAY Style asked leading spa experts to shed light on top questions so that nothing will interfere with this special-occasion treat.

How much should you tip a massage therapist for 90 minutes
women drinking tea at spaShutterstock

How much should you tip for a massage?

What customers do: The vast majority of people automatically tip 20 percent of the service fee, said Laura Benge, national spa director at Exhale. If you purchase a series of massages or a deal from a discount site, you should still tip on the original price — and most people realize that.

What spa staff wants you to do: Masseuses appreciate a 20 percent tip and like it even more if given in cash. That’s because if you tip on your credit card, most spas will pay that tip out with the therapist’s weekly or biweekly paycheck. If you tip in cash, the therapist gets to take it home that very same day, said Benge. If you’re tipping with cash in a provided envelope, it’s always best to write the therapist's full name and note that it’s from you in case there is more than one person with the same name at the spa. If a casual spa doesn’t have tipping envelopes at the register, you can discreetly hand the cash tip to your therapist with a quick, “thank you!”

What about a private practitioner?

Tips are industry standard for masseuses, so unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any situation, said Benge.

Do I tip at all-inclusive resorts?

All-inclusive spa destinations, like Canyon Ranch or travel resorts, would employ the same no-tip policy on all services, including the spa. This is basically the only exception where you wouldn’t tip on a massage.

The big question: Do you leave your underwear on or take it off?

“These days, most people choose to experience massage and body treatments in the nude,” said Laura Hittleman, corporate beauty services director at Canyon Ranch. Any reputable spa will have therapists trained to conduct proper draping procedures, to ensure you’re appropriately covered at all times as they move from one body part to the next. What’s most important to your therapist, however, is that you’re comfortable. If you feel more relaxed wearing your underwear, by all means, do so. Your therapist should have no problem working around it, both experts agreed.

When should you use the steam room and what are you supposed to bring in with you?

Arriving early enough to use the steam room before your massage is ideal, as the heat and steam helps loosen up muscles and tension, perfectly prepping the body for massage, said Benge. Many spas, including Exhale and Canyon Ranch, offer aromatherapy in steam rooms, where scents like eucalyptus help signal the brain to relax on a deeper level.

If you don’t have enough time to steam beforehand, you can certainly still steam afterward to enjoy the benefits. And you can always use steam rooms in a spa whether or not you’re getting a massage. “It’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day or relieve sore muscles after a hard workout,” said Hittleman. If you’re sweaty from a workout, just be sure to cool down for five to 10 minutes first and limit your maximum time to 20 to 30 minutes, which can be broken up into shifts.

The ideal way to experience a steam room is in the nude, but you should always take a towel to sit on for hygienic reasons. “Benefits of steam include increased blood flow and circulation, reduction of stress and tension and clearing skin by softening and removing impurities — if you have clothing on, it’s just another barrier between you and the steam,” explained Hittleman.

However, your comfort always comes first — so if going naked makes you feel embarrassed or self-conscious, it’s totally fine to enjoy the steam room with a towel wrapped around your torso, said Benge.

What do clients do at spas that drive staff nuts?

What people do: Many clients don’t give themselves enough time to get in and settled before their service. “Arriving just a few minutes before the massage leads to a chaotic energy that often doesn’t allow the guest to fully enjoy the experience,” said Benge. Some people come to their appointment stinky or sweaty without cleaning up first. And when some aren’t pleased with a massage, they take to Yelp or social media with complaints without voicing preferences during the actual service.

What staff wants you to do: Give yourself a bit more time beforehand than you think you’ll need to fill out any necessary forms and enjoy amenities like the steam room or tea in the relaxation lounge. Rinsing off (or freshening up with wipes) right before your massage is always appreciated by therapists and especially so if you’ve just come from a workout, both experts said. And whether it’s massage pressure, room temperature or the type of music playing, they also urge clients to speak up during service.

Massage pressure is the most important element of your experience, they agreed, so know that it’s totally fine to voice your preference as many times as necessary as you progress. Certain body parts may need more or less pressure than others. The point is for you to fully enjoy your experience and these type of requests should be happily accommodated.

Should I wash all of that massage oil off afterward?

Most people want to rid themselves of any greasy feeling or oil right away, but washing off essential oils and lotions immediately lessens the benefits. "It’s best to wait at least a couple of hours until you shower," Benge said.

What if I have more than one service scheduled? What should go first?

The only time order matters is when a facial or other face treatment is involved. In that case, it’s recommended to get the massage first followed by the facial, as you’ll lie face down at some point during the massage, said Benge. Aside from that, you can generally book spa treatments in whatever order you prefer.

What is the average tip for a 1 hour massage?

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20.

What should you not do during a massage?

What NOT to Say / Do with Your Massage Therapist.
Ask your massage therapist to go see a movie / come to your house / etc. ... .
Excessive noises. ... .
Comment on our looks/attractiveness. ... .
Poke your head out of the room to let us know you're ready. ... .
Start undressing while we are still in the room. ... .
Touch us..

What is proper massage etiquette?

The Proper Rules and Etiquette for Getting a Massage.
Don't Wear Granny Panties. Or, Just Don't Wear Underwear. ... .
Tip Is Rarely Included. ... .
Choose the Right Massage Therapist. ... .
Don't Chow Down Before You Get on the Table. ... .
Use Your Words. ... .
Do These Three Things Before You Arrive..

Should you shower before or after a massage?

Let's get one thing out of the way: experienced massage therapists agree that taking a shower before your massage is a always a good idea. You should rinse off chlorine, perspiration or environmental pollutants before your treatment or therapy, because you don't want all that to be rubbed into your skin.