How much should I tip at a restaurant?

In the U.S., 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service. Tip around 18% for good service, 20% or more for excellent service, and closer to 15% if something went wrong.

Do I tip on the total with tax, or before tax?

Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax isn't part of the service. Many people tip on the total anyway because it's simpler - the difference is usually only a few cents, so either is fine.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?

Find 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left, then double it. On a $50 bill, 10% is $5.00, so a 20% tip is $10.00. For 15%, take 10% plus half of it.

Should I tip on takeout or counter service?

It's optional. A couple of dollars or about 10% is a kind gesture, especially for large or custom orders, but it isn't expected the way it is for table service.

How much should I tip for food delivery?

Plan on 10-15% of the order, with a $3-5 minimum. Tip more in bad weather, for large orders, or when the driver carries items a long way.

Is it rude not to tip?

In the U.S., tipping is expected for many services because workers are often paid a lower base wage and rely on tips. Withholding a tip sends a strong signal; if service was poor, it's better to speak with a manager.

How does tipping work for large groups?

Restaurants frequently add an automatic gratuity of 18-20% for parties of six or more. Check the bill before adding anything extra so you don't tip twice.

How much do you tip for a massage?

At a spa or salon, tip 15-20% of the service price, with 20% the standard. On a $100 massage that's $20.

Do you tip for a medical or therapeutic massage?

Generally no. Massage at a chiropractic clinic or PT office is treated like a medical service. When unsure, ask the front desk.

Do I tip on the discounted price or full price?

Tip on the full regular price. The therapist did the same work regardless of a Groupon or membership rate.

What if the massage wasn't good?

Speak up during the session so they can adjust. If service was genuinely poor, 15% is acceptable.

Home / Tipping Guides / Massage Therapist

5 min read

How Much to Tip a Massage Therapist

A massage is meant to leave you relaxed, not doing percentage math at the front desk. Here's the simple rule for spa massages — and the one situation where a tip isn't expected at all.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip a massage therapist 15–20% at a spa or salon, with 20% the easy standard. Tip on the full regular price, even if you used a package or discount. Medical or clinical massage (at a chiropractor or PT office) is generally not tipped.

Spa standard

20%

Good service

15%

Clinical massage

Usually none

Photo: Toa Heftiba / Unsplash

Massage tipping splits cleanly into two worlds: the relaxation-and-spa world, where tipping is expected, and the medical-therapeutic world, where it generally isn't. Knowing which you're in answers most of the question.

At a spa or salon: 15–20%

For a massage at a spa, resort, or salon, tip 15–20% of the service price. Twenty percent is generous and easy on a freshly relaxed brain. On a $100 massage, that's a $20 tip.

The clinical exception

Massage in a medical or therapeutic setting — a chiropractic clinic, physical therapy office, or wellness center — is usually not tipped, much like you wouldn't tip a doctor. If you're not sure which kind of place you're at, it's completely acceptable to ask the front desk; a professional won't be uncomfortable answering.

Tip on the full price

If you used a discount, a Groupon, or a membership rate, calculate your tip on the regular full price of the massage, not the discounted amount. The therapist did the same work regardless of the deal you found.

Real examples

Massage	Price	20% tip
30-minute	$60	$12
60-minute	$100	$20
90-minute	$150	$30

When to adjust

Tip toward 20%+ for an exceptional, attentive session
Closer to 15% if the therapist started late or seemed distracted
For a couples' massage, tip each therapist separately

As with any service, if the pressure or technique isn't right, the best move is to speak up during the massage so they can adjust — that's a better outcome than a quietly reduced tip.

The bottom line

Spa massage: 15–20%, tipped on the full price. Clinical massage: usually nothing. Unsure? Ask. Need the number fast? The tip calculator handles it.

Skip the mental math

Enter your bill, pick a percentage, and split it instantly.

Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

At a spa or salon, tip 15–20% of the service price, with 20% the standard for good service. On a $100 massage that's $20.

Generally no. Massage at a chiropractic clinic, physical therapy office, or medical wellness center is treated like a medical service, where tipping isn't customary. When unsure, ask the front desk.

Tip on the full regular price. If you used a Groupon, package, or membership rate, the therapist did the same work, so base the 15–20% on the standard price.

Yes, the same 15–20% applies. If a hands-on owner performed your massage at a spa, tip as you would any therapist.

Speak up during the session so the therapist can adjust pressure or technique — that usually fixes it. If service was genuinely poor, 15% is acceptable, and feedback to the front desk helps them match you better next time.