To tip, or not to tip (your massage therapist)?

Here's my two cents' worth:

If you are seeing a self-employed LMT who runs their own business and gets 100% of the $ you pay, they don’t technically need a tip. I know, I know, it’s so weird to NOT tip, so I find myself tipping a token $5 or up to $10 because I feel guilted into doing so. But I tell my private clients that they do NOT have to tip me. (Almost all of them do anyway, and I am appreciative, thanks y'all! )

BUT

When you’re at a massage salon where the LMTs are more than likely paid a commission for every massage they perform, a tip is expected.

For a 60min massage, the minimum tip should be $10 - $15, or about 15%. $15-$20 or about 20% for a great job.

Prorate it: minimum $5 for a 30min, and $15 for a 90min. You can do the math for a 45, 75 or 2hr massage

If you didn’t like the massage, ideally that should have been communicated during the session so the LMT can adjust what they are doing. Ideally. I know how hard it is to speak up while in session. Many LMTs provide the opportunity for feedback halfway through the session, once the client has been flipped over, though. And it’s YOUR session, please speak up!

But if you didn’t speak up, and want to communicate your …displeasure… then tip less than the minimum I’ve identified. For example leaving a $5 tip for a 60 or 90min session tells me I probably won’t be seeing you again. It kinda sucks, I know I’d rather get feedback on what to change for that particular client. But you do you....

NOTE:

• The above is valid for a ~$80 60min massage in the middle of Illinois. I do not know the expected tip for an hourlong massage in Chicago, for example.
• I would add another $5 for additional services like hot stones or cupping.

I hope this helps answer your question.