Whether $20 is considered a good tip for a 90-minute massage primarily depends on the total cost of the service.
It's generally recommended to tip a massage therapist between 15% and 20% of the total massage cost. This range is widely accepted across various settings, including individual therapists, franchise spas, clinics, or even mobile services.
To determine if $20 is an appropriate tip, you need to consider the price of your 90-minute massage.
Understanding the Standard Tipping Range
The industry standard for tipping massage therapists is:
- 15%: A good, standard tip for satisfactory service.
- 20%: An excellent tip for exceptional service.
A common illustration of this 15-20% range shows that for a massage costing $100, a tip between $15 and $20 is appropriate.
Let's look at how a $20 tip measures up against different potential costs for a 90-minute massage:
| Massage Cost | 15% Tip (Good) | 20% Tip (Excellent) | Is $20 a Good Tip? |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $15 | $20 | Yes, Excellent! (20%) |
| $120 | $18 | $24 | Yes, acceptable ($20 is 16.7%) |
| $150 | $22.50 | $30 | No, below 15% ($20 is 13.3%) |
| $180 | $27 | $36 | No, below 15% ($20 is 11.1%) |
Note: The example of a $100 massage costing $15 to $20 for a tip is a common illustration of the 15-20% range. For more detailed information on tipping, you can refer to resources like Schedulicity's guide on tipping massage therapists. How Much Do I Tip a Massage Therapist? - Schedulicity
Factors to Consider
Since the cost of a 90-minute massage can vary significantly, consider these points when deciding if $20 is an adequate tip:
- Average Cost of a 90-Minute Massage: Typically, a 90-minute massage can range from $120 to $200 or more, depending on the location, spa type, and therapist's experience. If your massage falls within the higher end of this range, $20 may be less than the suggested 15% minimum.
- Quality of Service: Did your therapist provide exceptional service? Did they address your specific needs and make you feel comfortable? If so, aiming for the higher end of the 15-20% range (or even more) is appropriate.
- Frequency of Visits: If you are a regular client, maintaining a consistent and generous tipping habit is often appreciated by your therapist.
In summary, while $20 can be an excellent tip for a less expensive 90-minute massage (e.g., around $100), it might fall short of the standard 15-20% for more costly sessions, which is common for longer treatments. Always base your tip on a percentage of the actual service cost to ensure it aligns with industry standards.
