Tipping etiquette
For massage clients

People are often unsure about this whole tipping etiquette thing. And there are a lot of opinions among clients and massage therapists. There aren't any real clear cut answers for this very common question. I am going to do my best to help clear up any confusion.

Tipping for a massage is not just a social convention; it is a critical way to support the professionals who literally pour their physical energy into your well-being. This guide breaks down the nuances of massage tipping etiquette for 2026.

Massage therapy is different from other service based industries because of the various settings you can get a massage. And the type of business environment can affect whether or not you as the client should consider giving the gift of a tip. The most important thing to remember is there are no wrong answers when it comes to tipping your massage therapist. 

In this article I’m going to go over the different types of settings and if the massage therapist is the business owner or an employee.  

The first thing you need to keep in mind is where are you getting your massage? And is your massage therapist working for someone or is a renter? Why does this matter? Well if you are getting a massage in a spa setting most of the time the massage therapist is an employee and is making 40 – 50 % of the service, plus a commission if the product(s) are sold. In that type of setting it is very common to tip about 20% of the service. And in the more high end spa’s your tip is already added into the bill. Unfortunately in a lot of those multi massage therapist settings. LMT's need the extra tip money because they aren't making enough money in their regular paycheck  

Types of business that offer massage

In a more medical setting such as a chiropractic office, the massage is seen as a medical service and in those types of cases tips are generally not given. When people get a massage for a chronic medical condition they tend to see their therapist more often. Not all medical offices aren’t strict about the no tipping policy. If you feel you have had great results from your therapist and want to give a tip, just ask what is the tipping etiquette policy. If you can’t give a tip, referrals are always a great gift too.

Then we have the massage therapist/business owner. Most massage therapists who are business owners generally charge enough for their services so clients don’t need to worry about a tip. A monetary tip is appreciated, but never required. We just love it when a client rebooks and sends their friends in for a massage. That’s the best tip of all. A nice candle or homemade goodies always make my day. I have lots of wonderful treasures that clients have given me over the years and I enjoy looking at them every day. Glowing reviews online along with referrals are the best “tips” of all! They help small business owners such as myself keep the doors open. 

If you’re still unsure just ask. Give what you feel comfortable giving. However, please don’t feel pressured to give a tip. We as professional massage therapists understand not everyone is in the position to give extra money.

Do you tip a massage therapy business owner

A common question clients often ask is “Do you tip the owner of a massage business?” The short yes is yes, if you like to, but it is not required. 

For many years the old tipping etiquette rule was that the owner of the massage business should not be getting tips. This is because they do not have to share the cost of the service like an independent contractor or a renter. That line of thinking has changed. Most massage business owners now welcome tips, but it is still never expected. 

Just like when you have a massage at a wellness center, spa or and independently own practice. The quality of care and attention to the detail of your needs often decides whether or not a client would like to leave a tip. Many clients will tip because they found the massage therapist's skill set and professionalism helped them to have the type of experience they are looking for. 

 That being said, massage therapy is a type of health care related service and tipping is always optional. Unlike restaurant servers who rely on tips as a large portion of their income. Massage therapists do have control to set their own rates based on their training, overhead costs and local market. Massage business owners have already set their fees to help support operating costs. 

People do wonder if a business owner of a massage practice even needs tips at all. Owning a business in general comes with  expenses that a client never sees. Such as rent, utilities, continuing education, professional liability insurance, laundry, scheduling software, taxes and credit card processing fees. 

If you are unsure if you should tip. Think about your overall experience. Did the therapist listen to your needs carefully? Did they help to reduce your pain and help to improve joint mobility? Did you feel comfortable and well cared for? If the answer is yes a tip will always be welcomed. 

The common amount to leave is 15% - 20% of the service cost, however there is no strict rule on the amount. Some clients do not tip at all. Any amount you choose to give should be at your individual comfort level and how you felt about the overall service. And on a personal note just because a client does not tip does not automatically mean they did not enjoy the massage. I have many regular clients who do not tip. 

The best tip for a massage business owner is booking regular appointments. Buying massage packages. Buying gift certificates for loved ones. Sending your friends who would enjoy a massage. And leaving reviews on Google is also super helpful. All these things add up and help to keep your favorite massage therapist in business for many years. 

Whether the massage therapist is the owner or an employee, tipping is still your personal choice. Tipping should never make you feel uncomfortable. The goal of a massage is for you to feel much more relaxed and refreshed than when you arrived.    

FAQ about tipping etiquette for massage

Here’s what you as the client can do instead of give a monetary tip

• Write and online review
• Keep booking regular sessions
• Buy gifts cards for loved ones
• Kind words always make someones day

All these suggestions I made help keep constant money flowing beyond tips. 

I hope that clears up some tipping etiquette confusion. At the end of the day the best tip is always a referral or a glowing review. Constant business is what helps keep your favorite massage therapist in business. I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2001. I’ve personally started to discourage tipping from my clients. In 2024 I set my rates high enough to help discourage clients from feeling like they need to tip.