Is it rude to not tip for a massage?

Asked by: Anabel Nolan  |  Last update: August 21, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (16 votes)

In many cultures, it is customary to tip service providers, including massage therapists, as a way to show appreciation for their work. While tipping is not necessarily mandatory, it is generally considered polite and customary in the Canada, North America and several other countries.

Is it OK to not tip for massage?

It is generally considered rude not to tip a massage therapist. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for their skill and service. A standard practice is to tip 15-20% of the total cost of the massage, but it can vary based on your satisfaction and the therapist's performance.

How much do you tip for a 60 minute massage at massage Envy?

Places like Massage Envy pay therapists around $20 an hour, depending on location. 20% tip is appropriate.

How much do you tip for a $125 massage?

Twenty percent is considered a decent tip, and that would be 20% of the full price, not the discounted price. The massage therapists usually get very low pay ($15-25 per hour) and are limited in how many hours they can work due to the physical nature of massage. It's tiring. Your tips are greatly appreciated.

What is normal massage etiquette?

Be early or at least on time. Showered. Explain your expectations and concerns. Be respectful. Communicate when needed, otherwise no talking and just enjoy the blissful massage. Tip if it was a great experience.

Unsure When To Tip Your Massage Therapist? Let Us Fill You In!

36 related questions found

Is it rude not to talk during a massage?

When I tell people what I do for a living, they often ask me if I prefer my clients to be talking during a massage, or be silent. I will clear this up straight away – if you are getting a massage, that is your time, and if you want to chat or be silent the choice is yours.

Should I take off all my clothes during a massage?

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE FULLY NUDE

You should never be expected to be fully nude for a massage. Depending on the type of massage you are receiving, you may be asked to take off some of your clothing. However, you will always be given the choice of what you would like to keep on and what you would like to remove.

Is $20 a good tip for an hour massage?

Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.

For example, if your massage costs $100, you'd tip $15 to $20. This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist.

Where to leave tip after massage?

The most traditional way to tip is in person, either directly to your therapist in cash or added to your credit card charge at the front desk - this is the easiest method and allows you to thank your therapist personally for their service.

How much do I tip on a $60 massage?

If you decide to tip, a good rule of thumb is 15-20% of the service cost. However, any amount you feel comfortable with is appreciated. For example: A $60 massage could have a tip of $9-$12.

Do I take my clothes off at Massage Envy?

Wear what you want

Massage therapists can accommodate any level of disrobing. The end result should be for you to experience all the wellness benefits of your customized massage at a Massage Envy franchise location. Your level of dress is your choice and whatever you choose to wear.

What is a good tip for a full body 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.

Are massage memberships worth it?

But with a membership, you might pay only $50 to $70 per massage, and sometimes even less. That could be a great way of maintaining the costs if one normally takes regular massages, say, once a month or every couple of weeks.

Do massage therapists prefer cash tips?

Cash tips are preferred by most massage therapists as they provide immediate gratification and may help with income reporting for independent contractors.

Is $5 a good tip for a pedicure?

Basic manicure/pedicure:

The cost of a manicure or pedicure in the U.S. can range from $20 to $50, with the national average being $45. The typical tipping amount for a basic manicure or pedicure service is 17-18%. Of course, you are welcome to tip more, but the minimum recommended tip is at least $5.

What is the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massage?

Stroke Style: Swedish massage focuses on longer, more fluid strokes. The deep tissue massage technique uses more pinpointed and broad strokes. Areas of Focus: The relaxing Swedish massage is usually a full body experience. Deep tissue massage typically focuses on problem areas.

Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?

Tipping is also a way of recognizing a massage therapist's hard and physically demanding work, she says. “When in doubt, tip your massage therapist unless they very specifically say otherwise,” Denney says. But note that some massage therapists will expressly ask you not to tip.

What is proper etiquette when getting a massage?

10 tips to get the most from your massage
  1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
  2. Don't eat just before a massage session. ...
  3. Be on time. ...
  4. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. ...
  5. Communicate with your massage therapist. ...
  6. Remember to breathe normally.

How much does a 90 minute massage cost?

Here is a summary of the average cost of massage therapy based on the duration of the session: 30 minutes: $30 to $65. 60 minutes: $50 to $130. 90 minutes: $90 to $175.

Is a $10 tip enough for massage?

“All-inclusive” means that tipping isn't required. That said, most people will still tip service-industry workers, including massage therapists and hairstylists, a small amount—perhaps $5 to $10—Gottsman says. And some may still opt to tip 20%, especially if there's a tip line at the end of the bill.

What to expect at my first full body massage as a male?

Key Takeaways: Massage therapists will ask you about your health and comfort levels before the session starts. You can expect to lie on a padded table, usually face down, while the therapist massages your back, neck, and shoulders. Massage therapy can improve your mood, decrease anxiety, and help relieve pain.

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

Do you turn over during a massage?

During the massage, your therapist is likely to ask you to turn over.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.