Here's Exactly How Much to Tip Your Massage Therapist

Tipping can be tricky. It’s like trying to figure out how much to leave after an eyebrow wax or a blowout—too little feels rude, too much feels excessive. And when you’re already in that post-massage bliss, the last thing you want to stress about is math.

So let’s break it down, shall we? Here’s exactly how much to tip your massage therapist so you can float out of your session completely relaxed.

The Standard Tipping Rate

• 15-20% – The general rule of thumb for most spa and wellness services, including massages. If your massage was good, stick to 15%. If it was amazing, bump it up to 20%.
• More than 20% – Not required, but always appreciated! If your therapist went above and beyond, helped you unwind after a long week, or squeezed you in last minute, a little extra love goes a long way.
• Less than 15% – If you weren’t thrilled with your experience, tipping on the lower end is understandable. That said, if something wasn’t right, consider mentioning it to the spa so they have a chance to make it right.

When (and When Not) to Tip

• Day spas and wellness centers – Always tip unless it’s explicitly stated that gratuity is included.
• Luxury resorts and hotel spas – Double-check if a service charge is already included in your bill (it often is!). If not, follow the 15-20% rule.
• Massage franchises – Places like Massage Envy or Hand & Stone typically expect tipping, so plan to add it to your total.
• Medical massage (chiropractic or physical therapy setting) – If a massage is prescribed or performed in a medical office, tipping is usually not expected.

What If You Hate Dealing With Tipping?

Okay, real talk—sometimes tipping can feel awkward. Maybe you don’t have cash, or you just want a seamless experience where you don’t have to do mental math at checkout.

Enter Aescape. Our advanced AI massage table provides a fully personalized, automated massage experience—no tipping required. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a high-quality massage without worrying about gratuity. Just book your session, relax, and go. Simple, right?

A Few Extra Tipping Tips

• Cash is king – While many places allow you to tip via card, cash is always appreciated.
• Round up if needed – If you’re in doubt or bad at math (same), rounding up to the nearest $5 or $10 makes it easy.
• Don’t skip just because it’s pricey – Even if you booked an expensive deep tissue session, your therapist still deserves a tip.

At the end of the day, tipping is a way to show appreciation—but it shouldn’t be a source of stress. Whether you’re treating yourself to a traditional massage or enjoying an effortless session with Aescape, what matters most is that you walk away feeling amazing.

Let us know you enjoyed this read by booking a massage and using code BLOG for $10 off your first session (30 minutes and up!). Wanna share your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout at @LetsAescape on social!