What is a fair commission for your services when working in a city day spa?

Hi there,

I recently got a job offer as a massage therapist working in a small spa in Washington, DC. I am state licensed as well as the NCBTMB.

I've been offered a 40% commission for my services. The spa charges $100 for 1 hour massage, and $140 for 90 minutes. In essence I would make $40 for 1 hour massage and $56 for 90 minutes plus any gratuity. However if I don't have any clients I don't get paid anything at all. Moreover I am not entitled to any benefits.

Is this a fair deal considering I live and work in a big city? I was expecting a 50/50 cut and would have been happy with that. I would appreciate any thoughts on this matter. I'm simply not sure whether I'm getting screwed over or offered a fair deal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

~C

TAKE IT! 40% is great! $40 bucks an hour is awefully good for a trade school education. and $56 bucks um yea good too PLUS TIP!
Remember that is your take home! As in you don't have to pay the rent, receptionist, utilities etc.

50/50 would mean you are a partner which means you then get to split all the overhead with the co. How much would be left of your 50% after you paid, rent, utilities, permits and fees, linens, oils, recepionist, office supplies, and the list goes on and on. LESS THAT 30%.

40% is a good commission at those prices, most major spas here pay 25%-35% I only get 40% of $75 here in chicago, and the 40% is only because of my experience in the field other wise it's less. the other massage therapist at my location only gets 30%

Thank you both for your comments. You made my decision easier and as of today I accepted the offer. It feels right and I do believe I will be happy there.

Thanks again!

That is great...not too many therapists are fortunate to have such a fair deal. I was lucky to get 65%. When I first started a few years ago it was at 60% but the massage didn't cost that much. Its not about the % its about the end result.

Getting a 40% commission is awesome. I would be happy with what you have...the only thing I would wonder about is if any of the over head is yours? Sheets, oils, are you paying rent for the room? If all of these expenses are taken on by the spa...then you are getting a great deal.

The only way a 50/50 split or more in your favor would be needed is if you are taking on expenses as named above.

In RI commission is usually 50/50, which includes all overhead, supples etc. if you are expected to pay for your own supplies, you take home between 55-70 %.

most new therapists cannot walk into a situation like this though...
if you are brand new, you can expect to get 50% commission but have to pay for your own supplies.