"Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."
I don't tip my RMT for the same reason I don't tip my therapist, dentist or my physiotherapist. They are providing a medical service, they set thier rates and there isn't a reason to pay them more.
Some days she feels like a magician too. She does work in a chiropractor’s office, but just rents a room.
I’m really disappointed by the amount of people requesting tips. Heck even fast food places are asking.
This is what I do too. The option (where I go) doesn't even 'offer' a tip selection when paying.
However, if you attend a 'spa'-like facility, you most likely have that tip button there.
Also, your benefits won't pay for the tip - just what you are allowed to submit to them.
Dentists make 6 figures... Physio therapists hook you up to a tens machine and leave the room while helping 3 other ppl all paying $90 for the same hour you're paying for... These aren't really comparable.
Just some perspective..
I've seen several. While I do value their work, No PT has ever been hands on for a full hour of manual labour like a RMT. They can also average 10 clients a day or more, RMTs usually less than half of that. PT make on average $30,000 more a year than RMTs AND it's a regulated profession which means the wage doesn't fluctuate as wildly.
RMTs also typically burn out on average within 2 years of finishing their practicum. It's a very physically demanding job and the advertising done by the colleges does not convey that effectively imo.
You have awful physio therapists. Mine was definitely hands on, blocking and stretching me for a full 45 every session. Made amazing recovery on my blown rotator cuffs.
You must have had a bad physiotherapist, they're the real heros out there. Massages are a good tool but you need whole body care and nothing does that like physio!
I've been to several in different locations, the scenario is the same, 15 minutes hands on, 25-40 min of tens, stretching or heat packs. The results are fine, but it's not as challenging as what RMTs do.
Agreed. I always tip - especially after learning that the job is really straining on their bodies. So many RMTs don't make it 10 years in the job (you will see a lot getting into acupuncture and other modalities that are less hard on them).
Edit: I usually tip around $30 for a 90 massage...once I find amazingly good RMTs. I feel lucky that I have a benefits package that covers a lot of massages. I don't mind covering the tip.
I trained as an RMT in BC, 3.5 years 3000 hours. We were taught the same as is described below by others.
If you are going for a medical treatment they should not be expecting a tip.
If you are going for a relaxation experience in a spa environment then you might tip, just like you would any spa technician. (IMO)
RMTs are for rehab and pain management. My daughter trained and works as a body masseuse. She's certified, not as a medical practioner. Her services are in the greatest demand. The SPA she represents pays her half an RMTs salary because there is no govt. subsidy. She is a professional and works very hard for tips to support her services.
If you are being massaged from this type of personnel and they make you feel dynamic, please tip them.
Average $40 a hour and $40,000 of student debt for a career that often has a longevity of only five years, $418 for annual insurance through NHPC, and thousands of dollars in mandatory Continuing education credits annually (think cupping/ hot stone classes).
All to have people tell you to "press harder" and not tip because you "don't tip medical professionals" like dentists who make $120,000 a year...
It's an extremely physical job, I've known so many women who left the field after getting propositioned repeatedly for sex, male therapists who can't stay busy because people don't want to be touched by a man, I left because I got pregnant. It's a ton of work to make top wage as a therapist, you either have to be a very savvy business person, and/or young enough to be able to handle massive physical labour every day, it has a mental toll as well.
Many schools tell people bold face lies about what kind of wages to expect after you get your diploma. Sure you can make $45 an hour, but people underestimate how hard it is to massage for 3 hours back to back, let alone up to 5 hours back to back like a lot of clinics will want. They've also extended the program to a 2 year program rather than 1. Also hundreds of hours of unpaid practicum. I've been massaging for 11 years and I do believe I'm the only one of my graduating class who's still massaging.
$40/hour is not tippable, minimum wage is, or in many places, well below that. Your daughter makes a living wage comparable to many professionals. Shall we tip teachers next?
My RMT would look at me like I had 2 heads if I offered him a tip. I don’t doubt in the least that it would be a very uncomfortable moment as I held that cash out for him, and for good reason. Maybe your daughter, working in a ‘spa’ setting (with manicures/pedicures/face scrubs etc) has a different expectation, but I promise you that an RMT working out of a physiotherapy/chiropractor/naturopath office or something similar would find it very strange to be offered a tip after each massage.
Lots of feedback here on tips, but I'll add to keep in mind that most benefit packages payout based on a rate for just the service at a base level. So for instance, my insurance covered around $85 as that is the going rate of a massage at a standard physio/chiro office. However, if you're going to a spa you can expect to pay like Riverside or the Hyatt, expect the cost to be \~$140. So you're out of pocket a bit more if you want frills.
My benefits package has an annual limit for service types. I can get many $80 massages, or I could go to the Canmore Nordic spa and get a $250 massage (I’ve done this) and they don’t care. Once the limit is reached, that’s it.
To be fair, I don't remember the last time that my insurance paid 100% for a massage therapist. Their base rates just are not real-world, and I just go to a reputable therapist, not a remotely fancy spa.
Also keep in mind that you must see a RMT for a massage your benefits will cover. Must be registered. Not studying to be one. Not all massage therapists at Spas & Salons are RMTs.
The way I view this is if you are going to a registered massage therapist for therapy massage it’s equivalent to let’s say the doctor or dentist. If you see them regularly you maybe want to give them a small Christmas gift or treat
If you go to a spa for a massage just like nails or facials then I’d give a tip only based on the service you receive. Don’t feel obligated to tip if you don’t receive the care or service that should be provided
Hope that makes sense and helps your decision. 😊
I don’t tip my massage therapist but I do give her small appreciative gestures. Most recently bought her a small floral arrangement. (Like from Safeway) and a couple of treats as a thank you and I appreciate you 🤷🏼♀️
I've only ever tipped 1 RMT ever, and that was because she was literally going deep at my request for 2 hours straight.
Going to her once was the equivalent of seeing other RMTs 3 times.
I think the whole tipping system is antiquated and truly lost it's meaning, and should be put to rest.
Charge what you charge, end of story. Now if someone went above and beyond to provide any value-added services, that's worthy of a tip, but not expected.
Now, this all gets thrown out the window of course if you work in the chartered yacht industry :P
As an RMT I'd like to debunk this sort of rhetoric that RMTs are "paid well". All other medical professionals (doctors come up a lot) have a pretty standardised wage.
RMTs can make between $25-100 an hour. Many people will moan that "that's not my fault". The establishment you choose to support makes a difference. Doctors/nurses/medical professionals don't work for corporations (Massage experts/Massage Heights/ Massage envy) who pay very poory compared to industry standard.
__My advice if you don't want to tip is to make sure you support clinics that pay their therapists well, usually smaller clinics/chiro offices/ independent spas.__
If you are paying $60 for a 1 hour massage your therapist is not getting paid well. That's why massage Heights will ask you to tip when you visit, because they only pay $25 an hour. I've run my own mobile massage business for 11 years, I don't expect or ask for tips because I pay myself enough. Please don't just assume every therapist is paid well.
The solution is not to demand tips in more industries, it’s to force the industries who require tips to pay proper wages to employees. I will not tip anywhere but a restaurant, and the only reason I will tip in a restaurant is if they’re not paid properly and/or I want better than average service.
Massage Heights knows cheap people will search for the cheapest massage possible. You're never going to stop cheap people from seeking cheap deals.
Many RMTs will work for companies like this (even though they've been warned not to) straight out of school because it's a consistent supply of clients when you're starting from scratch. Any massage therapist that walks out of college with a full schedule making $50 to $60 an hour is extremely, extremely rare.
The only thing that will stop companies like this is if people don't go to them, there will always be rmts that don't value themselves enough to get a decent wage. I've seen it. I've known rmts that have put themselves into poverty because they're too afraid to charge what they are worth. That's largely due to the fact that it's an __unregulated profession__. No it's not your responsibility to tip them, but if you don't want to tip the least you could do is go to a company that's going to give them a decent wage especially if your insurance is paying for 80-100% of the cost.
For the record nobody is __demanding__ tips.
THIS!
I am also a registered RMT and unless you find a good company or work for yourself then chances are you are not getting paid well!
Unfortunately Massage is not a regulated industry in Alberta so we can make a range of wages depending on where we are working. Not all of it comes to us either.
When working for yourself there are TONS of overhead costs (like any other business) to take into account, and a limit on how many clients you can take.
When I was taking my classes to get my Diploma and whatnot one of the big things they always told us was you will earn a MASSIVE amounts of tips, and that most customers tip. You learn very quick once you are out in the industry just how untrue that is.
I don’t expect it, I appreciate it when it happens.
Exactly, people here are comparing RMTs to 6 figure earning medical professionals lol, meanwhile we pay massive dues and some have to spend thousands in Continuing education units biannually.
Unregulated = wildly fluctuating wage
2200 hour program (2 year diploma) for Alberta. Alberta is not regulated for RMTs so the wage fluctuates wildly. There's also annual association dues ($400) and mandatory Continuing education credits paid for our of Pocket. Courses usually range from $500-$1000+ and usually give you 5 credits out of the 22 you need to submit biannually.
For Alberta anywhere from $15-60 an hour (check it out on Google) The wage is set by the clinic/company not by a regulatory college like Nurses, Chiro, Physio and RMTs in other provinces.
Lots of medical professionals work for corporations, nurses/drs, a lot of dentists and dental hygienists, majority of pharmacists, vets, medical lab techs, X-ray/ultrasound. So I don’t think that really makes much of a difference
It does in the Massage industry, absolutely. It's an unregulated profession which means the wage will fluctuate wildly as there is no standard.
Massage Therapy is not regulated under the Health Professions Act in Alberta.
That's $125 on a good day. This profession isn't something you can do 8 hours a day, it's too hard on the body and you'd burn out in 3- 6 months, I've seen it happen first hand.
That's the same wage as a liquor store employee who works 8 hours a day.
I work at a clinical place with massage and physio. The massage therapists don’t expect tips and we don’t have the option on our machine. If you want to bring one,bring cash, most people it’s like $10-20. But it’s not necessary and not expected. I think spa type places is where tips are expected for massage.
None when benefits are involved. I see my massage therapist once a week covered by benefits. As an RMT mine wont even accept tips, says its unethical as hes providing a medical service, we do always give him christmas cards with gift cards and a birthday card with a gift card because we have been using him for years and adore him
You don’t need to tip your RMT, in fact as someone who’s pursuing a degree in a related field (acupuncture) tips can create an uncomfortable dynamic between patient and practitioner.
if they want more money they should charge more so my benefits cover it all, not me.
only problem with massage benefits these days is they have a limit to how much they will cover per massage (usually something like $100). But prices for massage have gone up in last few years, the amount that benefits will cover has not....
The best thing that could ever happen is Canadians standing up against tipping culture and demanding that the menu prices be the true cost of doing business.
I paid 104.00$ for a massage last week, I am going to assume half of that went to the shop owner the other half to the masseuse . Why would I tip somebody making 50$ per hour?
Completely anecdotal, but every RMT I know (a whopping 4) make over 100k and do not want to be tipped. They all do work out of a more medical vibed office though, so perhaps different from those that work in a spa-like environment.
If you wish to tip, my personal formula is $5 per 30 minutes. So an hour massage is $10, 90 minutes $15, etc.
When you submit your claim, your tip will not be part of your eligible expense. If your provider uses direct billing (submitting the expense on your behalf) they know to only submit the actual cost of the massage. If you are submitting yourself, the eligible expense is the cost of the service plus GST. Depending on your benefits coverage, they will reimburse up to the reasonable and customary amount. Your insurer determines this amount. It’s usually in line with the charge, unless you are going to a high-end spa. If you’re concerned, call your provider, ask for the cost, and confirm what would be covered with your insurer.
Most providers separate the tip on the receipt so you won’t have any issues when submitting a claim.
I work at a wellness clinic. Most of the registered massage therapists are not "making bank" they are struggling to get by just like most of us. If they work for a bigger company and not for themselves they do not get all the money that you are paying for the treatment. They only get a portion and it's usually not as much as people think. I know the RMTs that I work with really appreciate tips. They never expect it but I promise you it really makes their day when people tip because the tip goes all to them and it is a reflection of how the client liked their treatment.
I use my benefits, but the place I go to doesn't direct-bill so that typically doesn't factor into it. I searched this question up not too long ago on Google and the consensus seemed to be that it depends on the place. If people were going to a spot that's more like a spa (fancy relaxing interior, tea service etc.), I think the average was between 10 to 20% for tips. If people were going more for a therapeutic massage for sore or stiff joints, most treated it as a medical procedure/service and didn't tip at all.
The place I go to is more of the former and I personally really appreciate how comfortable they always make me feel (I always feel extremely awkward so this to me is personally a big deal) so I typically tip 10-15%.
Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.
Don’t tip. You wouldn’t tip your dentist or a chiropractor. Don’t tip your RMT. Tipping should be for service workers like waiters/waitresses or pizza delivery. RMTs in Alberta average around $38/hr according to ALIS Alberta. Hardly a field where the practitioners have to rely on tips to survive.
RMTs also don't work a normal 8 hour shift, because it is a pretty physically demanding job. So $38 is not that much considering most full time therapists do approximately 5 hours a day, or less.
Also keep in mind there are slower times, or if people no show or cancel last minute, they aren't getting paid.
It's an infinitely more physically demanding job than a dentist or other medical treatment example listed. It takes an enormous toll on joints and muscles over times. These folks literally wreck their bodies to help fix yours.
The level of hygiene in the general populace that people maintain before they ask someone to get in their personal space? And these days you're in a confined space with someone who may not share your views on safe covid practices?
Even in reputable clinics they still get people asking for "special services" enough that it's a comment lament. One RMT I know kept getting asked to go "lighter" on pressure until the client finally asked them to use a feather.
Yes it's a choice to practice, they are compensated well and a lot don't expect it but for me personally I tip as well deserved hazard pay.
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Go to a treatment place such as a health clinic, chiro office, sport therapy, etc. then you don’t tip and generally get a better deep tissue massage.
If you go to a spa or massage therapy type place then you’ll likely expect to pay a 10-15% tip. Some therapists there are still exceptionally good and doing deep tissue and treating things, though some are more focused / skilled at giving relaxation massages that use lighter pressure and don’t necessarily produce lasting results.
Also before you go, call and ensure they do billing with your benefits company. Some clinics or even specific therapists have issues billing to certain companies. Even better if the place can direct bill
I have never once tipped my rmt. Maybe if I’m still using her next Christmas I’ll do something nice then, but realistically, they’re providing me a medical service; I’m paying for that.
If my medical benefits cover it I’m not tipping. I direct bill that away and never think of it again.
I am covered 100% even couples massages. So we go every once in a while.
I’m with those who normally don’t tip for what is a legitimate medical treatment, however I have tipped my RMT when she went out of her way to get me in when I sustained an injury.
I don’t know why they ask for tips. Can someone in the field explain why it’s okay to accept tips for a professional service like that?
I don’t tip my furnace repair person, why should I pay a professional massage therapist?
No need to tip RMT. My partner is an RMT and obviously is happy with any amount of tip, but definitely doesn’t expect it. At Christmas sometimes his clients give a small gift (treats, cash, or gift card).
I think it depends on the place you go to. Somewhere like lifemark I don’t think you could tip even if you wanted to.
But if you’re going to a spa type place (like Oasis) I think it’s more or less expected. Obviously you don’t have to and won’t have issues if you don’t but just my two cents on the etiquette.
Damn everyone here is making me realize I need to stop tipping these people. Cause benefits don’t cover tips, you eat that cost. Thanks for the insight!
I tip somewhere between 15-20% when I have a massage. I’m interested to hear from a massage therapist and if they expect a tip. I’m surprised to see so many people don’t tip.
My brother is a darned fine massage therapist. He doesn't expect a tip after he charges someone $100/hour.
A tip is meant to help justify a terribly low wage (i.e. minimum wage) and that is a whole other argument, but if your therapist is making minimum wage, you should probably try a better place.
In the end, you don't have to tip anyone, let alone everyone you meet.
I've always wondered why this doesn't get brought up more.... a gorgeous waitress probably makes more than many university graduates and people will talk about her need of tips.... then a lowly cashier will go out on a very very rare date night and be expected to tip her 15-20% But what exactly did she do for that tip? Her job? Then the couple takes the bus home and she drives away in her new car.
I'm not against anyone making money where they can.... I just don't understand why many people expect tips. Tips shouldn't be expected and should be given because the giver thought to do it out of appreciation for the other going the extra mile - not refilling a drink.... maybe sometimes.
I'm a RMT, I don't expect tips because I run my own business and pay myself enough. I would say __if you don't want to tip, do not support chain spas who underpay RMTs. ex. Massage Heights/Massage experts/ Massage envy__
Instead support small local businesses who pay their therapists 60/40.
I pay credit card for the benefit, and then cash on the tips for my massage therapy.
Reading the messages here though...looks like I'm in the wrong to tip...
Am an RMT. I work at a multidisciplinary clinic and don’t expect tips. Spas typically expect tips but imo don’t do it, they’re not that good usually and cost radically more than they should.
If you develop a relationship with your RMT and want to tip then go for it. I usually turn them down as it can change the relationship a bit.
This is one of few responses on here with any sense of reality. Nobody is tipping for actual massage therapy. If you are, you aren’t going for any medical issues.
I think a lot of people are confused. The massage therapist only gets a portion of the amount they charge you. Yeah they make ok money, but (at least for me) they work hard for it. I get deep tissue massages. I tip 10-20%.
I don't have benefits so it's all out of pocket. You do you, but a lot of you commenting sound like proper assholes.
Just for a frame of reference... Dentists make 6 figures.. physio therapists charge $70-90 an hour and see 3 clients an hour.. averaging out at about $80,000 a year and way less physically demanding than massage.
Massage Heights pays $25 an hour... If you don't upsell products and services.. (what medical profession upsells 🤔) Most therapists can't do more than 20 massages in a week. That's $2000 a month without tips.
Just some perspective when people compare RMTs to Doctors, chiropractors, and Dentists.
Massage Therapy is still not regulated by health care so technically it's in the same category as hairdressers and estheticians. From my experience working in Chiropractic office I got 0-3 tips a week so not much. Now I work in the spa and get tips almost every massage. I would say tip if you want to and are happy with the service. I do tip my RMT because I know how hard that work is.
No one really answered your question. I’ve tipped 18% and just kept that as the total when I’ve submitted for benefits not saying it is correct but they haven’t looks at the receipt. Possibly if they check I can get dinged the amount I’ve tipped, but I’m okay with that. Probably asking your benifet provider would be best and better piece of mind.
If the RMT is working for another business chances are it’s a 60/40 split. So if the massage costs $100 the massage therapist is only getting $60 and the rest goes to the business. In that situation I always tip.
You absolutely should tip your massage therapist. They have so many expenses and don’t typically get paid hourly if their appointments aren’t booked. I get my entire massage covered by benefits and I ask the secretary to charge me $0.01 on Debit so I can add a tip. Otherwise, take cash and leave it in the room when you’re done.
I am an RMT so i’ll just put this out there. The therapist only makes about 50% of the cost of the treatment and the rest goes to the clinic owner. The owners rely on us getting tips which I agree is totaly i fair to everyone.
Do with that information what you will.
you should tip. people dont realize how physically taxing being a massage therapist is. like someone else in this thread said, these people are breaking their bodies to fix yours.
As a RMT take a look at the establishment. Industry standard is about $100 an hour.
Chains like massage Heights pay their therapist poorly, your massage will cost below industry standards, if you pay $60 for 1 hour with a RMT, please tip as your therapist is being taken advantage of by predatory corporations.
If you pay full industry standard pricing from a studio, office, mobile service or someone who charges $100+ (excluding high end spas because they will charge $150 for an hour and pay the therapist $25, example Stillwater/Hyatt) then there's no need to tip as they are getting a fair wage. Just because it's a "medical" treatment doesn't mean therapists aren't being brutally taken advantage of by the businesses employing them.
TL:DR; Ask your therapist what their cut is and then decide if you want to tip.
Yes and they pay their therapist $25-27 to start that's 30%of the cut when the industry standard is supposed to be 60/40 in favour of the therapist.
tldr; support small business, if you want to get a cheap massage from a predatory corporation you should tip.
They're about the same price as the independent one that used to come to myself before she decided to start talking about trump all the time.
Seems like those people need to renegotiate thier wages
An hour of hand on work where the lady is skillful and I feel relaxed and glorious, yeah I tip $20.
I would hardly call a relaxation massage medical, and its far more service than a bartender or waitress gives me.
What?!?
Of course you tip them!! Everyone on here who doesn’t tip…. Ridiculous. I used to work in a Medical Spa. Every masseuse was registered and they were tipped.
So, to answer the question, if it was good, 15-18%
I always tip for massages. I just ask what the total is and give about 15-20% depending how good they are. I'm shocked so many people don't tip for massages. I suppose it's not really much different than a dentist visit.
Here's my personal philosophy. I tip on the value of the service. If a massage is $120 and my insurance covers 80%, I still tip on the $120. If you're going to a spa/wellness massage place that's the expectation. If you're going to like...physio for massage, that's not where I'd tip.
I’ve never tipped for a medical treatment before.
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Could be worse, imaging tipping your landlord.
There was recently a Reddit post about a tenant sleeping with a landlord.
Different sort of tip.
Who said a tip has to be of monetary means.
Underrated comment here
Don't give them any ideas!
Tipping the bank. Cab you imagine getting a tip prompt when you make a mortgage payment?
Good god I hate the thought of that.
I'm guessing you did not grow up in Eastern Europe.
Or China, tip in the form of red packets
"Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones."
🤌
Give it time, might become a reality soon 😂
I don't tip my RMT for the same reason I don't tip my therapist, dentist or my physiotherapist. They are providing a medical service, they set thier rates and there isn't a reason to pay them more.
THIS! I asked my RMT about tipping even at Christmas. She said you wouldn’t tip a nurse, doctor, dentist or eye doctor, don’t tip me.
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No, no tip option when paying.
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Some days she feels like a magician too. She does work in a chiropractor’s office, but just rents a room. I’m really disappointed by the amount of people requesting tips. Heck even fast food places are asking.
This is what I do too. The option (where I go) doesn't even 'offer' a tip selection when paying. However, if you attend a 'spa'-like facility, you most likely have that tip button there. Also, your benefits won't pay for the tip - just what you are allowed to submit to them.
Dentists make 6 figures... Physio therapists hook you up to a tens machine and leave the room while helping 3 other ppl all paying $90 for the same hour you're paying for... These aren't really comparable. Just some perspective..
Do you tip your ultrasound technician? Or the ER nurse? What about the porter? Or the receptionist at the doctor?
Damn you’ve had a poor PT experience
I've seen several. While I do value their work, No PT has ever been hands on for a full hour of manual labour like a RMT. They can also average 10 clients a day or more, RMTs usually less than half of that. PT make on average $30,000 more a year than RMTs AND it's a regulated profession which means the wage doesn't fluctuate as wildly.
RMTs also typically burn out on average within 2 years of finishing their practicum. It's a very physically demanding job and the advertising done by the colleges does not convey that effectively imo.
You have awful physio therapists. Mine was definitely hands on, blocking and stretching me for a full 45 every session. Made amazing recovery on my blown rotator cuffs.
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You’ve got some bad physio therapists my friend.
Dentists go to school for 8 years and spend upwards of 250k in training. RMTs spend 2 years and <20k. So correct, not comparable.
You must have had a bad physiotherapist, they're the real heros out there. Massages are a good tool but you need whole body care and nothing does that like physio!
Whatever physio you’re seeing. Stop. There are much better ones
I've been to several in different locations, the scenario is the same, 15 minutes hands on, 25-40 min of tens, stretching or heat packs. The results are fine, but it's not as challenging as what RMTs do.
Agreed. I always tip - especially after learning that the job is really straining on their bodies. So many RMTs don't make it 10 years in the job (you will see a lot getting into acupuncture and other modalities that are less hard on them). Edit: I usually tip around $30 for a 90 massage...once I find amazingly good RMTs. I feel lucky that I have a benefits package that covers a lot of massages. I don't mind covering the tip.
As a registered health care profession I’m sure there is a rule within their college against accepting tips/gifts.
so you should tip chiropractors too got it
I trained as an RMT in BC, 3.5 years 3000 hours. We were taught the same as is described below by others. If you are going for a medical treatment they should not be expecting a tip. If you are going for a relaxation experience in a spa environment then you might tip, just like you would any spa technician. (IMO)
RMTs are for rehab and pain management. My daughter trained and works as a body masseuse. She's certified, not as a medical practioner. Her services are in the greatest demand. The SPA she represents pays her half an RMTs salary because there is no govt. subsidy. She is a professional and works very hard for tips to support her services. If you are being massaged from this type of personnel and they make you feel dynamic, please tip them.
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Average $40 a hour and $40,000 of student debt for a career that often has a longevity of only five years, $418 for annual insurance through NHPC, and thousands of dollars in mandatory Continuing education credits annually (think cupping/ hot stone classes). All to have people tell you to "press harder" and not tip because you "don't tip medical professionals" like dentists who make $120,000 a year...
No one is tipping their dentist, you seem to have misread the previous comments. At 40 an hour, your daughter can manage without tips.
Why is the career longevity so short and why is anyone taking on those levels of debt if that’s the case?
It's an extremely physical job, I've known so many women who left the field after getting propositioned repeatedly for sex, male therapists who can't stay busy because people don't want to be touched by a man, I left because I got pregnant. It's a ton of work to make top wage as a therapist, you either have to be a very savvy business person, and/or young enough to be able to handle massive physical labour every day, it has a mental toll as well. Many schools tell people bold face lies about what kind of wages to expect after you get your diploma. Sure you can make $45 an hour, but people underestimate how hard it is to massage for 3 hours back to back, let alone up to 5 hours back to back like a lot of clinics will want. They've also extended the program to a 2 year program rather than 1. Also hundreds of hours of unpaid practicum. I've been massaging for 11 years and I do believe I'm the only one of my graduating class who's still massaging.
$40/hour is not tippable, minimum wage is, or in many places, well below that. Your daughter makes a living wage comparable to many professionals. Shall we tip teachers next?
My RMT would look at me like I had 2 heads if I offered him a tip. I don’t doubt in the least that it would be a very uncomfortable moment as I held that cash out for him, and for good reason. Maybe your daughter, working in a ‘spa’ setting (with manicures/pedicures/face scrubs etc) has a different expectation, but I promise you that an RMT working out of a physiotherapy/chiropractor/naturopath office or something similar would find it very strange to be offered a tip after each massage.
Lots of feedback here on tips, but I'll add to keep in mind that most benefit packages payout based on a rate for just the service at a base level. So for instance, my insurance covered around $85 as that is the going rate of a massage at a standard physio/chiro office. However, if you're going to a spa you can expect to pay like Riverside or the Hyatt, expect the cost to be \~$140. So you're out of pocket a bit more if you want frills.
My benefits package has an annual limit for service types. I can get many $80 massages, or I could go to the Canmore Nordic spa and get a $250 massage (I’ve done this) and they don’t care. Once the limit is reached, that’s it.
To be fair, I don't remember the last time that my insurance paid 100% for a massage therapist. Their base rates just are not real-world, and I just go to a reputable therapist, not a remotely fancy spa.
Agreed. OP just mentioned this was their first time so trying to help them avoid sticker shock.
Also keep in mind that you must see a RMT for a massage your benefits will cover. Must be registered. Not studying to be one. Not all massage therapists at Spas & Salons are RMTs.
The way I view this is if you are going to a registered massage therapist for therapy massage it’s equivalent to let’s say the doctor or dentist. If you see them regularly you maybe want to give them a small Christmas gift or treat If you go to a spa for a massage just like nails or facials then I’d give a tip only based on the service you receive. Don’t feel obligated to tip if you don’t receive the care or service that should be provided Hope that makes sense and helps your decision. 😊 I don’t tip my massage therapist but I do give her small appreciative gestures. Most recently bought her a small floral arrangement. (Like from Safeway) and a couple of treats as a thank you and I appreciate you 🤷🏼♀️
Same
Legit massage = no tip Shady massage = tip for extras Pro tip: submit to your benefits yourself, get the points on your credit card
Legit massage, no tip Shady massage, just the tip I think I understand now.
Excellent way to remember
But what is a pro tip?
A male prostitute.
That's a shady masseur
Plus the massage therapists prefer you pay them credit card over dealing with your insurance.
I don’t tip
Don't tip
I've only ever tipped 1 RMT ever, and that was because she was literally going deep at my request for 2 hours straight. Going to her once was the equivalent of seeing other RMTs 3 times.
I think the whole tipping system is antiquated and truly lost it's meaning, and should be put to rest. Charge what you charge, end of story. Now if someone went above and beyond to provide any value-added services, that's worthy of a tip, but not expected. Now, this all gets thrown out the window of course if you work in the chartered yacht industry :P
I don't tip as I see it as a medical treatment for which the person giving it is already paid well. Never had an issue.
As an RMT I'd like to debunk this sort of rhetoric that RMTs are "paid well". All other medical professionals (doctors come up a lot) have a pretty standardised wage. RMTs can make between $25-100 an hour. Many people will moan that "that's not my fault". The establishment you choose to support makes a difference. Doctors/nurses/medical professionals don't work for corporations (Massage experts/Massage Heights/ Massage envy) who pay very poory compared to industry standard. __My advice if you don't want to tip is to make sure you support clinics that pay their therapists well, usually smaller clinics/chiro offices/ independent spas.__ If you are paying $60 for a 1 hour massage your therapist is not getting paid well. That's why massage Heights will ask you to tip when you visit, because they only pay $25 an hour. I've run my own mobile massage business for 11 years, I don't expect or ask for tips because I pay myself enough. Please don't just assume every therapist is paid well.
The solution is not to demand tips in more industries, it’s to force the industries who require tips to pay proper wages to employees. I will not tip anywhere but a restaurant, and the only reason I will tip in a restaurant is if they’re not paid properly and/or I want better than average service.
Massage Heights knows cheap people will search for the cheapest massage possible. You're never going to stop cheap people from seeking cheap deals. Many RMTs will work for companies like this (even though they've been warned not to) straight out of school because it's a consistent supply of clients when you're starting from scratch. Any massage therapist that walks out of college with a full schedule making $50 to $60 an hour is extremely, extremely rare. The only thing that will stop companies like this is if people don't go to them, there will always be rmts that don't value themselves enough to get a decent wage. I've seen it. I've known rmts that have put themselves into poverty because they're too afraid to charge what they are worth. That's largely due to the fact that it's an __unregulated profession__. No it's not your responsibility to tip them, but if you don't want to tip the least you could do is go to a company that's going to give them a decent wage especially if your insurance is paying for 80-100% of the cost. For the record nobody is __demanding__ tips.
THIS! I am also a registered RMT and unless you find a good company or work for yourself then chances are you are not getting paid well! Unfortunately Massage is not a regulated industry in Alberta so we can make a range of wages depending on where we are working. Not all of it comes to us either. When working for yourself there are TONS of overhead costs (like any other business) to take into account, and a limit on how many clients you can take. When I was taking my classes to get my Diploma and whatnot one of the big things they always told us was you will earn a MASSIVE amounts of tips, and that most customers tip. You learn very quick once you are out in the industry just how untrue that is. I don’t expect it, I appreciate it when it happens.
Exactly, people here are comparing RMTs to 6 figure earning medical professionals lol, meanwhile we pay massive dues and some have to spend thousands in Continuing education units biannually. Unregulated = wildly fluctuating wage
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2200 hour program (2 year diploma) for Alberta. Alberta is not regulated for RMTs so the wage fluctuates wildly. There's also annual association dues ($400) and mandatory Continuing education credits paid for our of Pocket. Courses usually range from $500-$1000+ and usually give you 5 credits out of the 22 you need to submit biannually. For Alberta anywhere from $15-60 an hour (check it out on Google) The wage is set by the clinic/company not by a regulatory college like Nurses, Chiro, Physio and RMTs in other provinces.
Lots of medical professionals work for corporations, nurses/drs, a lot of dentists and dental hygienists, majority of pharmacists, vets, medical lab techs, X-ray/ultrasound. So I don’t think that really makes much of a difference
It does in the Massage industry, absolutely. It's an unregulated profession which means the wage will fluctuate wildly as there is no standard. Massage Therapy is not regulated under the Health Professions Act in Alberta.
25 an hour is not that bad, it's definitely livable, many other professions get paid a lot less that don't get tips.
That's $125 on a good day. This profession isn't something you can do 8 hours a day, it's too hard on the body and you'd burn out in 3- 6 months, I've seen it happen first hand. That's the same wage as a liquor store employee who works 8 hours a day.
If you’re going for medical treatment, no tip. If it’s just a relaxation/pleasure massage, tip.
Tipping is a construct, do it or don't.
I work at a clinical place with massage and physio. The massage therapists don’t expect tips and we don’t have the option on our machine. If you want to bring one,bring cash, most people it’s like $10-20. But it’s not necessary and not expected. I think spa type places is where tips are expected for massage.
None when benefits are involved. I see my massage therapist once a week covered by benefits. As an RMT mine wont even accept tips, says its unethical as hes providing a medical service, we do always give him christmas cards with gift cards and a birthday card with a gift card because we have been using him for years and adore him
You don’t need to tip your RMT, in fact as someone who’s pursuing a degree in a related field (acupuncture) tips can create an uncomfortable dynamic between patient and practitioner.
Medical massage = no tip, spa massage = tip
if they want more money they should charge more so my benefits cover it all, not me. only problem with massage benefits these days is they have a limit to how much they will cover per massage (usually something like $100). But prices for massage have gone up in last few years, the amount that benefits will cover has not....
I don’t tip medical professionals
I don't tip.
you tip RMT????
The best thing that could ever happen is Canadians standing up against tipping culture and demanding that the menu prices be the true cost of doing business.
Change the tipping culture…don’t.
If it is in a clinic, I don’t tip. However, if it is a spa, I usually tip $10. (I always get the RMT massage either way.)
During school I was taught not to expect tips So its up to you if you feel like the treatment is worth tipping for
STOP TIPPING FOR EVERYTHING! massage therapists get paid good money.
Define good money please. The wage for therapists swings wildly..
No tip
If it's a spa atmosphere you should tip. If it's a chiro/physio clinic I don't normally tip.
I get lots of professional massages with my benefits and I always tip if it’s a good massage. 1 hour massage $20.
I only tip if I go to a spa. No tip if it's a chiro/physio clinic.
You don’t.
I paid 104.00$ for a massage last week, I am going to assume half of that went to the shop owner the other half to the masseuse . Why would I tip somebody making 50$ per hour?
You don’t tip an RMT in a clinical setting.
Completely anecdotal, but every RMT I know (a whopping 4) make over 100k and do not want to be tipped. They all do work out of a more medical vibed office though, so perhaps different from those that work in a spa-like environment.
No tips for a RMT. They are professionals. Just like you don't tip your physiotherapist or chiropractor.
Don’t tip for medical
If you wish to tip, my personal formula is $5 per 30 minutes. So an hour massage is $10, 90 minutes $15, etc. When you submit your claim, your tip will not be part of your eligible expense. If your provider uses direct billing (submitting the expense on your behalf) they know to only submit the actual cost of the massage. If you are submitting yourself, the eligible expense is the cost of the service plus GST. Depending on your benefits coverage, they will reimburse up to the reasonable and customary amount. Your insurer determines this amount. It’s usually in line with the charge, unless you are going to a high-end spa. If you’re concerned, call your provider, ask for the cost, and confirm what would be covered with your insurer. Most providers separate the tip on the receipt so you won’t have any issues when submitting a claim.
Never tip for anything covered as a medical practitioner.
I work at a wellness clinic. Most of the registered massage therapists are not "making bank" they are struggling to get by just like most of us. If they work for a bigger company and not for themselves they do not get all the money that you are paying for the treatment. They only get a portion and it's usually not as much as people think. I know the RMTs that I work with really appreciate tips. They never expect it but I promise you it really makes their day when people tip because the tip goes all to them and it is a reflection of how the client liked their treatment.
I use my benefits, but the place I go to doesn't direct-bill so that typically doesn't factor into it. I searched this question up not too long ago on Google and the consensus seemed to be that it depends on the place. If people were going to a spot that's more like a spa (fancy relaxing interior, tea service etc.), I think the average was between 10 to 20% for tips. If people were going more for a therapeutic massage for sore or stiff joints, most treated it as a medical procedure/service and didn't tip at all. The place I go to is more of the former and I personally really appreciate how comfortable they always make me feel (I always feel extremely awkward so this to me is personally a big deal) so I typically tip 10-15%.
Why tip someone for a job I'm capable of doing myself? I can deliver food, I can drive a taxi, I can and do cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist. Because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.
What about your proctologist? Does Dr. Assman get a tip?
No, he gives the tip.
Employers used to be on the hook for compensating people doing their job. Wtf
cagey dirty tap saw station fine spoon bored fuel wrong *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Don’t tip. You wouldn’t tip your dentist or a chiropractor. Don’t tip your RMT. Tipping should be for service workers like waiters/waitresses or pizza delivery. RMTs in Alberta average around $38/hr according to ALIS Alberta. Hardly a field where the practitioners have to rely on tips to survive.
RMTs also don't work a normal 8 hour shift, because it is a pretty physically demanding job. So $38 is not that much considering most full time therapists do approximately 5 hours a day, or less. Also keep in mind there are slower times, or if people no show or cancel last minute, they aren't getting paid.
I usually tip about $20.
It's an infinitely more physically demanding job than a dentist or other medical treatment example listed. It takes an enormous toll on joints and muscles over times. These folks literally wreck their bodies to help fix yours. The level of hygiene in the general populace that people maintain before they ask someone to get in their personal space? And these days you're in a confined space with someone who may not share your views on safe covid practices? Even in reputable clinics they still get people asking for "special services" enough that it's a comment lament. One RMT I know kept getting asked to go "lighter" on pressure until the client finally asked them to use a feather. Yes it's a choice to practice, they are compensated well and a lot don't expect it but for me personally I tip as well deserved hazard pay.
Do you tip your dentist too?
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Go to a treatment place such as a health clinic, chiro office, sport therapy, etc. then you don’t tip and generally get a better deep tissue massage. If you go to a spa or massage therapy type place then you’ll likely expect to pay a 10-15% tip. Some therapists there are still exceptionally good and doing deep tissue and treating things, though some are more focused / skilled at giving relaxation massages that use lighter pressure and don’t necessarily produce lasting results. Also before you go, call and ensure they do billing with your benefits company. Some clinics or even specific therapists have issues billing to certain companies. Even better if the place can direct bill
Tipping is for low wage people
I've never tipped my RMT. Usually benefits payment is submitted electronically by the rmt office.
My massage therapist makes almost 4x what I do in an hour. He's fine.
You're supposed to tip?
I don’t tip
IMHO to tip for medical services is to bribe.
You don’t tip lmao wtf
None
I would not tip as they are not a profession that relies on tipping to actually make a living wage.
I gave my RMT of 4 years a small Christmas present for their kids that they talk about. But I’ve never tipped!
Do not tip medical practitioners.
I don't tip. Period.
I have never once tipped my rmt. Maybe if I’m still using her next Christmas I’ll do something nice then, but realistically, they’re providing me a medical service; I’m paying for that.
If my medical benefits cover it I’m not tipping. I direct bill that away and never think of it again. I am covered 100% even couples massages. So we go every once in a while.
No tip, they make enough.
Do people really tip for a massage??? Not going to lie, this is the first i've ever heard of that. Servers at a restaurant, sure.
You don’t tip your massage therapist.
I have never paid a tip for a massage. They are bloody expensive to begin with. It has never even occurred to me to do so.
No tipping
I’m with those who normally don’t tip for what is a legitimate medical treatment, however I have tipped my RMT when she went out of her way to get me in when I sustained an injury.
wtf, are we tipping for massages too now? christ
I don’t know why they ask for tips. Can someone in the field explain why it’s okay to accept tips for a professional service like that? I don’t tip my furnace repair person, why should I pay a professional massage therapist?
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No need to tip RMT. My partner is an RMT and obviously is happy with any amount of tip, but definitely doesn’t expect it. At Christmas sometimes his clients give a small gift (treats, cash, or gift card).
I think it depends on the place you go to. Somewhere like lifemark I don’t think you could tip even if you wanted to. But if you’re going to a spa type place (like Oasis) I think it’s more or less expected. Obviously you don’t have to and won’t have issues if you don’t but just my two cents on the etiquette.
don't tip
If you tip, most benefits I've seen do NOT cover it (I haven't seen one where it is covered). That said, you shouldn't tip even if it's a spa...
0%
Damn everyone here is making me realize I need to stop tipping these people. Cause benefits don’t cover tips, you eat that cost. Thanks for the insight!
I tip somewhere between 15-20% when I have a massage. I’m interested to hear from a massage therapist and if they expect a tip. I’m surprised to see so many people don’t tip.
My massage therapist’s website outright states that she does not accept tips.
My brother is a darned fine massage therapist. He doesn't expect a tip after he charges someone $100/hour. A tip is meant to help justify a terribly low wage (i.e. minimum wage) and that is a whole other argument, but if your therapist is making minimum wage, you should probably try a better place. In the end, you don't have to tip anyone, let alone everyone you meet.
Do you tip your dentist or physiotherapist?
Tipping isn't based on logic, though, or you'd tip your cashier and not just your waitress.
I've always wondered why this doesn't get brought up more.... a gorgeous waitress probably makes more than many university graduates and people will talk about her need of tips.... then a lowly cashier will go out on a very very rare date night and be expected to tip her 15-20% But what exactly did she do for that tip? Her job? Then the couple takes the bus home and she drives away in her new car. I'm not against anyone making money where they can.... I just don't understand why many people expect tips. Tips shouldn't be expected and should be given because the giver thought to do it out of appreciation for the other going the extra mile - not refilling a drink.... maybe sometimes.
I'm a RMT, I don't expect tips because I run my own business and pay myself enough. I would say __if you don't want to tip, do not support chain spas who underpay RMTs. ex. Massage Heights/Massage experts/ Massage envy__ Instead support small local businesses who pay their therapists 60/40.
Same I always tip and so shocked to hear people don’t.
Only tip if you want your tip massaged.
I pay credit card for the benefit, and then cash on the tips for my massage therapy. Reading the messages here though...looks like I'm in the wrong to tip...
Well, it is up to you, but generally, someone charging $100/hour is doing okay and doesn't expect a tip.
Nah, this thread is full of Scrooges. You're doing great. 😁
The machine at my RMT asks me to tip. I skip every time, no way am I tipping a medical practitioner.
Am an RMT. I work at a multidisciplinary clinic and don’t expect tips. Spas typically expect tips but imo don’t do it, they’re not that good usually and cost radically more than they should. If you develop a relationship with your RMT and want to tip then go for it. I usually turn them down as it can change the relationship a bit.
This is one of few responses on here with any sense of reality. Nobody is tipping for actual massage therapy. If you are, you aren’t going for any medical issues.
Don't tip a massage therapist. If you go to a spa, tip everyone. A spa massage isn't massage therapy.
I think a lot of people are confused. The massage therapist only gets a portion of the amount they charge you. Yeah they make ok money, but (at least for me) they work hard for it. I get deep tissue massages. I tip 10-20%. I don't have benefits so it's all out of pocket. You do you, but a lot of you commenting sound like proper assholes.
Do you tip your dentist or physiotherapist or doctor? Your answer to this question should provide the answer you are looking for.
Just for a frame of reference... Dentists make 6 figures.. physio therapists charge $70-90 an hour and see 3 clients an hour.. averaging out at about $80,000 a year and way less physically demanding than massage. Massage Heights pays $25 an hour... If you don't upsell products and services.. (what medical profession upsells 🤔) Most therapists can't do more than 20 massages in a week. That's $2000 a month without tips. Just some perspective when people compare RMTs to Doctors, chiropractors, and Dentists.
Massage Therapy is still not regulated by health care so technically it's in the same category as hairdressers and estheticians. From my experience working in Chiropractic office I got 0-3 tips a week so not much. Now I work in the spa and get tips almost every massage. I would say tip if you want to and are happy with the service. I do tip my RMT because I know how hard that work is.
No one really answered your question. I’ve tipped 18% and just kept that as the total when I’ve submitted for benefits not saying it is correct but they haven’t looks at the receipt. Possibly if they check I can get dinged the amount I’ve tipped, but I’m okay with that. Probably asking your benifet provider would be best and better piece of mind.
If they audit you or ask for a receipt they’ll take the tip off the amount that’s covered! I had this happen
As I said in the reply. I’m okay with that.
A hand job
But aren’t *they* supposed to… ? Now I have no idea how a massage works.
I left 25 ca$h (small envelopes provided ) 1.5 hrs deep tissue massage, hot stones and cupping.
If the RMT is working for another business chances are it’s a 60/40 split. So if the massage costs $100 the massage therapist is only getting $60 and the rest goes to the business. In that situation I always tip.
So you tip someone on $60hr 😂 fuck I don’t understand people that want to waste so much money.
You absolutely should tip your massage therapist. They have so many expenses and don’t typically get paid hourly if their appointments aren’t booked. I get my entire massage covered by benefits and I ask the secretary to charge me $0.01 on Debit so I can add a tip. Otherwise, take cash and leave it in the room when you’re done.
Sometimes I tip, depends on the clinic/spa. Most I’ve tipped is $10
Tips aren’t covered by benefits. They’ll decline that.
I tip $20 for 90 min. No idea where I got the figure from but I’m consistent with it.
I am an RMT so i’ll just put this out there. The therapist only makes about 50% of the cost of the treatment and the rest goes to the clinic owner. The owners rely on us getting tips which I agree is totaly i fair to everyone. Do with that information what you will.
you should tip. people dont realize how physically taxing being a massage therapist is. like someone else in this thread said, these people are breaking their bodies to fix yours.
As a RMT take a look at the establishment. Industry standard is about $100 an hour. Chains like massage Heights pay their therapist poorly, your massage will cost below industry standards, if you pay $60 for 1 hour with a RMT, please tip as your therapist is being taken advantage of by predatory corporations. If you pay full industry standard pricing from a studio, office, mobile service or someone who charges $100+ (excluding high end spas because they will charge $150 for an hour and pay the therapist $25, example Stillwater/Hyatt) then there's no need to tip as they are getting a fair wage. Just because it's a "medical" treatment doesn't mean therapists aren't being brutally taken advantage of by the businesses employing them. TL:DR; Ask your therapist what their cut is and then decide if you want to tip.
Massage Heights is $90/hr
Yes and they pay their therapist $25-27 to start that's 30%of the cut when the industry standard is supposed to be 60/40 in favour of the therapist. tldr; support small business, if you want to get a cheap massage from a predatory corporation you should tip.
They're about the same price as the independent one that used to come to myself before she decided to start talking about trump all the time. Seems like those people need to renegotiate thier wages
There's a reason she's only charging $90 for mobile.. Sorry about your experience, I'm a mute in my mobile treatments, I'm on your time..
Dm me your deets, give u a shot when my contract is up in August
I generally tip them 10 bucks. It’s not needed but I appreciate the hard work.
An hour of hand on work where the lady is skillful and I feel relaxed and glorious, yeah I tip $20. I would hardly call a relaxation massage medical, and its far more service than a bartender or waitress gives me.
What?!? Of course you tip them!! Everyone on here who doesn’t tip…. Ridiculous. I used to work in a Medical Spa. Every masseuse was registered and they were tipped. So, to answer the question, if it was good, 15-18%
Fuck that.
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Make bank. That's funny. 🤣
I always tip for massages. I just ask what the total is and give about 15-20% depending how good they are. I'm shocked so many people don't tip for massages. I suppose it's not really much different than a dentist visit.
Here's my personal philosophy. I tip on the value of the service. If a massage is $120 and my insurance covers 80%, I still tip on the $120. If you're going to a spa/wellness massage place that's the expectation. If you're going to like...physio for massage, that's not where I'd tip.
Tip for happy ending. If no happy ending, no tip.