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How much do you make per massage?

I'm looking to get a general idea of how much people make as independent contractors versus how much the client is being charged for the massage? example: I work at a spa that charges $96 for a one hour massage and I get $50. I

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Permalink Reply by Julia Mims Edwards on December 30, 2009 at 5:33pm

WOW what a wonderful question to ask... I have several different fees, at different places because one place is rural with older clients:Chiropractors office-20/40 for clients receiving treatment from the dr. for 30/60 minute
25/50 for clients not receiving treatments 30/60 I ran this as a summer special
and have continued it because "We are all in this financial thingy together" .

Permalink Reply by Choice Kinchen on December 30, 2009 at 9:13pm

The question you should be asking yourself is this....Am I making enough for me to live on and to allow me to stay in this business and be happy doing it? It doesn't matter, as an IC or as an employee, what your employer makes. If you are happy with the money you are taking in and it covers your business, living and any other expense you might have....and you agree to the wage, then that's all that should matter to you. If the money is unacceptable or if it truly bothers you how much your employer is pulling in, then take steps to change your situation.

Laura, Marissa and Gloria...I like your answers.

I do convention work. Most of my IC's have no idea what it takes to land a convention...the marketing, the selling, the development of relationships thru out the year with meeting planners, etc. (esp for returning conventions...I want them to want me each and every year) and the detail work it takes to pull off a smooth convention. I do this willingly so that the therapists can come in and work a few days each show and make good money (plus perks) doing it. They're happy. I'm happy.

Permalink Reply by Teresa Parrish on December 31, 2009 at 8:41am

UPDATE: what was really at the heart of my question was the fact that the spa was charging a 20% gratuity service charge, that went entirely to the spa. This was impeding my ability to make tips. I talked to the owner about how my clients should be able to tip me based on their experience and desire to do so. I reduced my fee by $5 an hour and the spa agreed to reduce their take by $1 an hour, thereby reducing the total fee to the client by $6. I am making more money, because I am now actually receiving the tip people deem appropriate. My negotiating point for the spa to take $1 less is all the repeat business I am bringing in.